Local business Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd (ETI) has paired up with Heads On, working in partnership with local charity Carers Support West Sussex, to provide care packs for carers of people with mental health problems, learning disabilities or dementia in and around Worthing during the current lockdown, delivered by volunteers from Friday 26th February.
Rachael Duke, Head of Charity for Heads On commented “During this lockdown, and throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, carers of people with mental health problems, learning disabilities or dementia have continuously put their loved ones before themselves, facing the challenges of disrupted support networks alongside the anxieties and loss of routine we have all faced. We are so grateful to ETI for recognising this and working with us to provide carers in Worthing with a care pack of goodies to encourage them to take some time for themselves and feel appreciated for everything they are doing.”
Jason Webb, Director for Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd, explained the company’s decision to support carers caring for people using NHS mental health services “Even before the pandemic hit, the reasons for investing in this kind of support were obvious however, Covid-19 has intensified the existing crisis in mental health. As a business we wanted to do something to recognise the local carers and volunteers who continue to show such tremendous dedication during challenging times. The care packages are a small gesture which we hope will convey our thanks and recognition for the work they do. Without the ongoing care and support of these carers, many in our local community would really suffer”.
Heads On has worked in partnership with Carers Support West Sussex to co-ordinate the care packs, ensuring they reach those most in need. Kathy Burke of Carers Support commented “We have been able to support this kind gesture to our family and friend carers in Worthing by contacting those registered with our service to ask if they would like to receive a care package. Unpaid carers have been hit hard by the pandemic and through working in partnership with Heads On and ETI we have been able to deliver a little bit of joy to carers’ doorsteps. This is fantastic at a time when isolation and loneliness is such an issue for those in a caring role during Covid-19.”
Over the weeks of delivering the care packs, Heads On have received some really touching feedback from carers who have received the packs.
“Today I went to visit my son [in a Sussex Partnership service] in Worthing to take him out on leave. A staff member called me in to give me the Heads On goody bag that your team has organised. It really is so thoughtful of you, particularly when you all must have so many demands on your time and service. Getting a bag of treats is always delightful, it makes us feel appreciated and useful so thank you for helping us carers.”
“Please pass on my thanks to Jason Webb at ETI for their very kind donation to carer’s who have been working hard to survive this Covid pandemic. It has been an extremely hard year, more for some members of society than others, and it is very heart-warming to think others are appreciative of the effort involved in caring for a person. The delivery was a lovely surprise and brought sunshine to the day.”
“Thank you for my treat bag. I love it!”
“Just wanted to say a very BIG THANK YOU for your beautiful gesture. It was very challenging for us last year and these last few months. I am a single mum and live with my very special, special needs daughter who is now 32. She has no idea what has been going on only that she cannot go to her day centre or see her friends.We have been spending our time dancing around her beanbag listening to nursery rhymes and doing copious amounts of puzzles. It made me cry to receive your gift, silly isn't it but it meant so much.”
“Just wanted to thank you so much for the lovely gift which I received yesterday. I am a lone carer of a disabled daughter. It really brightened my day so much. Thanks once again”
“A special thanks to all. Only sorry I missed seeing the person who delivered.”
“I have to write to say a very big thank you for the wonderful goodie bag I have just received. Such a kind gesture. The sentiments in your letter are very much appreciated. It is so lovely to be appreciated. I care for my mum who has Vascular Dementia/Alzheimer's 24/7. Most days we lovingly get through it together but some days have more challenges than others, today has been one of those. So your goodie bag couldn't have arrived on a better day. Thank you once again. Please pass on my thanks to all involved in this amazing scheme”
“I wanted to write to all involved in arranging the Care Pack of Goodies, which was received today. I really appreciate everyone's help in organising the lovely thoughtful items in the bag of treats. I am a carer for my husband who has Alzheimers, which as you can all appreciate is not an easy illness for anyone involved to live with. During lockdown, it has been much more difficult for us both but, of course, there is light at the end of the tunnel with lockdown due to ease soon. Your gift today has really lifted my spirits and done me the world of good knowing there are people and organisations that care. Once again, thank you all so very much.”
“I would like to say a big thank you for my lovely care pack, it has made my day and made me feel appreciated more.”
“I would like to thank you and ETI for such a lovely gift, please pass on my thanks to Jason Webb. I am a carer to my son and partner I also support my older daughter who is autistic, the past year has been really difficult…..It was lovely to have something for me, I will share though. You put a smile on my face, thank you”
“I wanted to say thank you for the lovely bag of goodies which was delivered to me last week. It really was a lovely surprise at a time when life has been pretty difficult. There were so many good things inside which I shall enjoy with my sons who I care for, over the next few weeks. Please do send thanks on to all those involved - ETI, all the companies who donated items plus the delivery teams. Thank you.”
“Having just received our Goody Bag today I would like to say a big thank you. Your letter of support is very much appreciated and we shall certainly enjoy the treats.”
Heads On rely on the generosity of the local community to continue with their Covid-19 response, supporting people who are most affected by the pandemic. If you would like to make a donation or get involved with fundraising please call 07471 031 612.
