Rochdale Young Carers Service - GM Carers Trust thanks supporters for Christmas Hampers

Andrea Ashton receives hampers from St Chad's Church

The Christmas Hamper Project 2015, started in October when Dean Sherriff of ‘Friends of Families’ and Thrum Hall Church sent out his annual letters to loyal supporters of families with illness and caring issues. Co-ordinated by the GM Carers Trust team at Rochdale Young Carers, hampers have once again delivered Christmas cheer to families in Rochdale.

The project, which has been running now for many years, has brought in donations of treats, gifts and help towards Christmas festivities. Thanks to local churches, community organisations, including the Rotary and the Masonic, and also individual people and families, Christmas was made special for those who can find Christmas an added pressure to life.

Andrea Ashton, development worker at Rochdale Young Carers, said: “The office has been mayhem as hampers and gifts arrived. We have a small team of helpers who turn them around and take them to the families we are supporting, families who can be going through a challenging time.

"It’s an exceptionally busy time of year at Rochdale Young Carers as they are also organising festive activities including a family trip to the pantomime.

“We really would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated and taken the time to get involved. We are, as always, overwhelmed by the kindness of the Rochdale community. We would also like to thank our wonderful ‘Friends of Families’ committee who support us all year round.”

Rochdale Young Carers is part of GM Carers Trust, a charity that provides support services for carers across Greater Manchester.

If you would like to know more about the services offered by GM Carers Trust please telephone the Rochdale office on call 01706 515740.