CHESHIRE and Warrington Carers Trust has received a significant cash boost for its creative projects thanks to local businesses.

The charity is taking part in The Big Give's Christmas Challenge, an online match funding platform which brings charities, philanthropists and public together to multiply their impact.

10 local firms pledged £100 each to support the trust, which has bases in Northwich, Warrington, and Crewe. The £1,000 pledged is now eligible to be doubled by The Big Give to support the charity's Creative Carers Arts for Wellbeing project.

Emma Thackham, from Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust, says the project has been designed to bring isolated, unpaid carers together for art workshops, friendship, and fun.

She said: "The aim of the project is to reduce social isolation and loneliness for unpaid carers across Cheshire, particularly for people caring for someone with dementia or other long-term conditions.

"We understand that when you become a carer life is sometimes more difficult but that doesn't mean that life has to stop and so we want to run fun and creative sessions to bring people together – either online or in socially distanced settings – so that people can have a creative break from the norm and some valuable 'me time'.

"Creative activity is proven to be uplifting for well-being and people have reported huge benefits for improvement in relaxation and a reduction in loneliness after attending our sessions which is why it is so important to have received this funding to help us continue our creative programme."Northwich Guardian:

Pre-pandemic activities included taking people to dementia inclusive film screenings and for theatre or museum trips, plus running recycled art, glass, or clay workshops.

Emma added: “We are so grateful to every local business that helped us reach our pledge target. Each pledge helps to provide an art tutor, art materials, room hire and tea and coffee to help make the Creative Carers Arts for Wellbeing workshops happen.”

The pledges to date have been made by Golden Egg Group, My Cloud 9 Accounting, CHL Finance, U-Plan, NU Concepts Architectural Design, Laurel House Interiors, Copperleaf Group, Akeso Counselling, plus local band Papa Bones who are releasing a charity single, and Cheshire West and Chester councillor Simon Eardley.

Emma added: “Pledges are still welcome and the fundraiser will continue during The Big Give Christmas Challenge Week from December 1 to 8 where we hope the public will donate smaller amounts so that we can add to our total.”