Shocking Carer Poverty Project finds 1 in 7 Carers have used a Foodbank

Unpaid carers play a vital role in society saving taxpayers £184 billion per year, yet many face significant financial hardship.

Recent research shows that 1 in 7 unpaid carers have had to rely on a food bank, highlighting the severe impact of carer poverty.

Balancing care responsibilities often limits employment opportunities, leading to reduced income, and financial strain, not helped by the continuation of rising living costs.

Medway Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, has joined forces with Carers First and have launched a new Carer Poverty Project campaign, aiming to reduce the number of unpaid carers living in poverty.

Medway Foodbank are reaching out to unpaid carers in the Medway area who have experienced food insecurity, and have had to rely on a local foodbank for support.

They are seeking to understand the unique challenges faced by carers and use their experiences to help shape future services and significantly reduce the need for foodbanks in the local community.

They recognise that the underlying issues driving the need for emergency food provision are complex and varied, and that to effectively tackle these issues, they need a deeper understanding of how caring responsibilities impact the ability to afford food.

If you are a local unpaid carer who has had to use a Foodbank, this is where you can help. The campaign is looking for people to share their 'real-life' experiences to gain valuable insights into the pressures they face and identify the specific barriers preventing them from accessing sufficient healthy food.

Why Share Your Story?

Your story is powerful and can make a real difference. By sharing your experiences with Medway Foodbank, you can:

• Inform Future Strategies: Your experiences will directly influence the development of new initiatives and programmes aimed at supporting carers and addressing the root causes of food poverty.
• Raise Awareness: Your story can help raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by carers and promote understanding within the wider community.
• Advocate for Change: Your voice can contribute to advocating for policy changes and support systems that better cater to the needs of carers in Medway.
• Empower Others: Sharing your story can empower other carers to seek help and know they are not alone.

What Kind of Stories are they Looking For?

They are interested in hearing from any unpaid carer who has had to use their services or other local foodbanks. They want to understand:

• What led you to need to use a foodbank?
• How did caring responsibilities impact your ability to afford food?
• What support and resources would have helped prevent you from needing a foodbank?
• What changes could be made to make life easier for carers facing food insecurity?

All stories will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect. You can choose how much information you are comfortable sharing, and your identity will be protected.

Medway Foodbank, believes that by working together and listening to the lived experiences of carers, they can build a fair and equitable community where no one has to go hungry.

Help shape the future and contribute to a Medway where foodbanks are no longer a necessity, have your voice heard and help make a real difference.

Contact Mike Evans, the project Campaign Manager using the details below to get involved or find out more using the details below:

Phone: 07842 413058

Email: mike@medway.foodbank.org.uk

Online: carerpovertyproject.co.uk.