Selfless unpaid Carers enjoy respite cruise on Windermere

Unpaid Carers have enjoyed a “Cruise for Carers” respite trip on England’s longest lake courtesy of Windermere Lake Cruises.

The cruise was organised in support of a South Lakeland charity’s Give Carers A Break Appeal.

The Carers, along with staff and volunteers from the charity, Carer Support South Lakes, travelled on the company’s newest vessel MV Swift. Over 40 people joined the cruise from Bowness to Ambleside.

Cheryl Duckworth, a support worker with Carer Support South Lakes, says: “We are very grateful to Windermere Lake Cruises for making this trip available. It was a lovely way for the Carers to enjoy some time away from their caring duties.

“Being a Carer can be rewarding, but it can be challenging at times too. So, getting a break like this from those responsibilities can be a lifeline.”

Nigel Wilkinson, the Managing Director of Windermere Lake Cruises, says: “We were delighted to welcome the group on board MV Swift and hope they really enjoyed their cruise. Windermere Lake Cruises was very keen to support the Give Carers A Break Appeal to show how highly the role of unpaid Carers is valued. We hope the Cruise For Carers offered some welcome respite to those who joined us.”

MV Swift was chosen to host the group of Carers as the company’s most modern vessel was specially designed with accessibility in mind – to make sure passengers with disabilities could access the waters of Windermere and enjoy the stunning Lakeland scenery in comfort.

The Give Carers A Break Appeal was launched by Carer Support South Lakes to mark the charity’s 30th Anniversary this year. It asks generous local companies to donate services or experiences to give Carers much needed respite breaks. It’s also looking to raise around £20,000 to provide additional respite for unpaid Carers of any age. Anyone can donate money through the "Give Carers A Break" Appeal website"

One in three people will be an unpaid Carer at some stage during their lifetime. It could be for an older relative, a husband or wife, a child or even a friend.

Carer Support South Lakes is an independent, local charity and network partner of Carers Trust. It provides a range of services to support and enhance the lives of unpaid Carers of all ages throughout South Lakeland.

If you are an unpaid Carer and would like to get in touch with Carer Support South Lakes you can contact the charity on 01539 815970 (and select Option 1) or by email admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk