Co-op staff rock for carers (From Hereford Times)

Co-op staff rock for carers

11:25am Friday 8th February 2013 in Ledbury

STAFF at a Ledbury supermarket hit the right note with unpaid young adult carers when they launched what they hope will be a record-breaking year of fund-raising.

Staff at the Co-operative food store, in New Street, chose a rock and roll theme as they showed their support for the chain’s new charity of the year, the Carers Trust.

Shoppers were taken back in time as they were greeted by the sounds of the 1950s in the aisles and styles of the era at the checkouts.

But the event also had a very serious side, drawing attention to the round-theclock challenges facing an estimated 500,000 young people across the UK who care for a family member or friend who are ill, frail, disabled or, have mental health or addiction problems. Jason Donaldson, manager of the Ledbury store, said: “The challenge of unpaid caring is an often hidden issue, even though it can affect most families at some time.

“We’re delighted that Carers Trust is our charity of the year and that we have the chance to make a difference to the lives of young people in our communities who undertake practical and emotional caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who cannot cope without their support.”

There are an estimated seven million unpaid carers across the UK, including about 20,000 in Herefordshire.

The Co-operative is hoping to raise £5million, for details visit co-operative.coop/charityoftheyear.