Carers Matter

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CATHERINE
PROJECT MANAGER

Hello, I’m Catherine

I’m running a new project for family carers of people with learning disabilities. The project is aimed at carers who are aged 50 years+ to help people plan for the future, have time for themselves, and meet others facing similar challenges.

Right now, I’m focusing on supporting carers who are in urgent need due to the coronavirus crisis including helping people stay connected by telephone and online. Please do e-mail me at Catherine.shatwell@reachuk.org if you’d like further information.

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There are more than 15,000 people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire, a number expected to rise. Many of them live at home and are looked after by carers who are often in their 70s or 80s. Some who are in their 50s and 60s are having to juggle their caring responsibilities around their work. Perhaps the single biggest problem for older carers is loneliness, with 68 per cent of adult carers in Nottinghamshire identifying lack of social contact as a major issue. Reach plans to help carers form social networks, with informal drop-in sessions and  subsidised massage and reflexology sessions. One-to-one support will be available for those who need it. 

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Thanks to a grant from Nottinghamshire Freemasons we are now in a position to move forward with our 'Carers Matter' project.

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The grant from Nottinghamshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

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“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Reach who do truly outstanding work across the county, supporting people with learning disabilities and those who care for them. These carers are older people who often lead very lonely lives, devoted to looking after a family member and Reach is there for them.” - Philip Marshall, Head of Nottinghamshire Freemasons.