The Rank Group Plc
Carers Trust is delighted to be in partnership with The Rank Group Plc, owners of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos. The partnership was launched in February 2014 and funds the Rank Cares grants programme for unpaid carers across the UK.
The grants give carers access to desperately needed breaks, essential equipment to support caring responsibilities and skills and training courses.
They can make the challenge of being a carer that little bit easier, help stop people from breaking down under the strain and help carers find ways to cope with caring.
Since the start of the partnership, the funds raised by the Rank Group have helped over 14,161 unpaid carers.
Fundraising and volunteering
We have just celebrated our 10th anniversary year of the partnership on Valentine's Day 2024.
Over the ten years so far the teams have taken part in skydives, head shaves, hair waxing, team vs team challenges, fancy dress days, bake-off competitions and bake sales, walks, marathons, climbs and cycles . . . the list is endless.
Employees have also been showing their support by volunteering to help their local Carers Trust Network Partners. They have helped with gardening, baking cakes for events, supporting in Carers Week, organising pamper days, cooking a 3-course meal and providing HR support, to name just a few activities.
Ten Network Partners were able to run peer support groups with funding from Rank. These Network Partners also worked closely with the local Mecca & Grosvenor clubs to help with afternoon teas and spaces to meet and to build on the local support in the community.
Our partnership with Rank has been recognised at the 2023 & 2024 European Casino Awards
We were thrilled to accept the Corporate Community Engagement Award for the second year running as part of the continued dedication Rank have shown over the last 10-years to Carers Trust and supporting unpaid carers.
Why we support Carers Trust…
Gemma
“I take on these challenges because it enables me to have a platform to raise awareness for an incredible support system that is often not know to be available”.
"Throughout our lives, we come across charities that we feel are a worthy cause so, we dig deep and donate to help them."
"However, Carers Trust spoke to me on a more personal level and, although I still donate, I felt that there was more that I could do to help this great cause in both gaining more donations and, increasing their exposure to the general public."
"Over the period of their affiliation with Rank, I have put myself forward for quite a few events including a 100-mile cycle ride on an indoor turbo trainer and 2 London Marathons (2018 & 2021) as I feel that strongly about this charity."
"Last year I added three other races onto my London Marathon excursion and, I also wrote a blog about my journey to help gain more exposure and to keep my donors up to date of my progress."
"This year, to help raise Carers Trust's profile, all the races I have participated in have been run wearing their colours as, I believe it's the least I can do to help those who need assistance whilst looking after their ailing family members, especially the younger generation who sometimes need to put their lives on hold."
"I was recently asked if I would consider running for Carers Trust in this year's London Marathon as well and, without taking even a second to think about it, have agreed to run in this great event again so that I can again raise much needed funds and generate even more publicity for this great organisation".
Steve
Running the TCS London Marathon - 21st April 2024
The Rank Group had 2 runners Alex & Flora take part in the TCS London Marathon in 2024. They have raised over £3,800 between them.
In their own words they explain why they decided to take on the massive 26.2 miles to help support unpaid carers.
Celebrating 10-years.......
We are thrilled to be celebrating 10-years, a whole decade of supporting unpaid carers through Rank Cares Grants.
John O’Reilly, CEO at Rank,
“The entire Rank team is thrilled to celebrate our 10-year charity partnership with Carers Trust. Since 2014, we have been supporting unpaid carers across the UK through our Rank Cares grants."
"We've cycled, run, baked, and raffled our way to raising over £3.7 million, providing help to 13,937 unpaid carers. We are immensely proud of all our efforts."
“Looking forward, we have plans to support Carers Trust through skills-based volunteering, with colleagues giving their time when it’s needed most."
"Right now, we are rallying behind the 20 Rank colleagues undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge this May, with the aim of raising at least £30,000."
“None of what we do for Carers Trust would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our colleagues, customers, suppliers and the team at Carers Trust. Thank you everyone for your continued support for Carers Trust."
Carers Trust CEO, Kirsty McHugh,
“We’re delighted that our partnership with Rank is marking its 10-year anniversary. Rank’s long-term support over the past decade has been transformational for our work with unpaid family carers, the army of people of all ages supporting loved ones with disabilities and health conditions."
"Many have been plunged into poverty by their caring role, so every grant made possible by Rank funding can make a massive difference to their lives. This has become even more urgent during the cost of living crisis."
“We’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the team and customers at Rank, Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo – thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.”
10th Anniversary Challenge in 2024...
As part of their 10-year anniversary celebrations, twenty Rank colleagues took on their biggest challenge yet!!
They climbed the National Three Peaks in just 24 hours!! Raising an incredible £32,469.57.
Thanks so much to the 'Peaky Climbers'
About the Rank Cares Grants programme
Our partnership is enabling us to deliver small grants to carers registered with Carers Trust's Network Partners:
- Carers Essentials Fund – carers can apply for grants towards the cost of vital equipment such as washing machines, cookers, fridge freezers or a bed.
- Carers Take Time Out Fund – is giving carers time out from caring to relax, do something for themselves and recharge their batteries.
- Carers Skills Fund – is enabling carers to learn new skills to help them with caring or to return to work.
Please note, carers must be registered with a Carers Trust Network Partner to access these grants.
Keep up to date
- Please follow us on Twitter @CarersTrust and keep up to date with #RankCares.
- If you would like to know more about the partnership, or to find out how to get involved, please contact the Corporate Fundraising Team at fundraising@carers.org
- Find out more about Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos.
- And see the latest information from Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos about how they're supporting us.