The Carers’ Fund, generously supported by The Mercers’ Company and co-developed with local carers and carer’s groups, is dedicated to supporting Islington’s unpaid carers.
There are around 16,300 unpaid carers in Islington. Whether they’re caring for a parent, partner, sibling, or child, these individuals offer emotional, physical, and behavioural support – often without recognition or rest.
But carers face deep and unequal challenges. Many experience poverty, isolation, poor mental health, and a lack of opportunities in education or work. Too often, their voices are missing out of decision-making processes that affect them most.
At Islington Giving, we care about equality and shifting power. That’s why we recently ran our second Carers’ Panel, putting decision-making power directly into the hands of those with lived experience. The panel, made up of local unpaid carers, recently awarded six new grants to brilliant local projects that will support, uplift, and connect carers across Islington.
“Overall, the whole experience was very positive and it helped me through a difficult period of time (associated with being a carer) by offering me a space that was solely for me with the bonus of being able to give back to others, which also felt like it was for me!” ~ Carers’ Fund Panellist
Here’s a look at what’s been funded:
Awarded grants:
Continued funding from the Carers’ Panel 2024:
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust: Psychotherapy and peer support for carers.
Held over a six-month period, activities will include weekly support groups, monthly workshops, and quarterly social events. Based in Islington, locations will vary to ensure accessibility, including community centre’s, local parks, and online platforms for virtual events. Services will be delivered through a combination of in-house staff, trained volunteers, and collaboration with local organisations. The initiative aims to provide varied and accessible support, fostering community engagement and peer support.
Islington Mind: Talking Therapies Clinic: Counselling sessions for carers from minoritised communities
The project will expand talking therapy programmes, weekly sessions using various therapeutic modalities, for 16 additional carers. The clinic focuses on reaching carers from minoritised communities and diverse backgrounds who struggle to access and engage with mainstream mental health services – for example people from BAME and/or LGBTQ+ communities. The project is coordinated by BACP accredited therapists, involving volunteer therapists for client support.
“I loved meeting the people who would be benefitting from the grant and hearing their stories and the wonderful work they do.” ~ Carers’ Fund Panellist
New awarded grants:
Pedal Power: Cycling sessions for disabled people and their carers
Funding over two years towards Pedal Power’s Islington-based activities which provide opportunities for disabled people and their carers and family members to cycle together, providing bikes, including specialised and adapted bikes, cycling teaching and support. A joyful, active way to spend time together and improve mental and physical health.
Park Theatre: Kick Off with a Verse’ (KOWAV)
This creative ‘writing for wellbeing’ programme gives carers of people with dementia the time and space to express themselves, connect with others, and build emotional resilience through creativity.
SEN Family Saturdays: Wellbeing for carers of children with special educational needs
Over two years, carers of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) will take part in workshops on mindfulness, stress management, self-care, and aromatherapy, plus yoga, occupational therapy, and group outings. All designed to promote mental and emotional balance.
Memory Cafe at Christ Church: A safe, social space for carers and people with dementia
Funded for the next three years, the Memory Café at Christ Church will provide a safe and accepting social environment and activity such as seated Yoga for people with dementia and their carers. Carers can choose to participate alongside the person they care for or take a much-needed moment for themselves.
“Being on the panel opened up further opportunities and also led me to finding employment with Islington Giving/ Cripplegate Foundation.” ~ Carers’ Fund Panellist
