A precious chance to breathe - EMR team up with carers charity to provide group with a special day out
- EMR has teamed up with a charity to treat a special group of carers
- The operator teamed up with Carers First to organise the special day for Lincolnshire group
- The group of 30 carers enjoyed a free trip to Nottingham Christmas Market - plus other festive treats
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has teamed up with a charity to treat a special group of carers to a well earned break and day out to Nottingham Christmas Market.
The operator, which is run by Transport UK, worked with Carers First to provide a group of 30 carers from Lincolnshire with a free journey to the market.
On the way the group were treated to mince pies, quizzes and chocolate - with many enjoying some downtime from their usual caring duties.
One of the carers on board was Sarah Pike from Sturton By Stow, she said it was lovely to get sometime for themselves.
She said: "We managed to do a bit of shopping and get in the Christmas spirit and it was so nice to be socialising rather than being isolated.
"It was lovely to get on a train as you don’t get chance to do it very often. The Charity helps us be ourselves outside of our caring responsibilities and we are so grateful it exists and for these opportunities."
Elaine Macleod from Washingborough in Lincolnshire, said: “It’s such a special day because all the carers are truly wonderful. Having time for myself means so much as I'm full-time carer for my husband. He can’t go anywhere without me and we have no family, so this support is real respite - a precious chance to breathe.
"Everyone at the charity and in the support groups always makes me feel so welcome. I was so nervous when I first started going, but now it’s become a lifeline."
Ellie Barker from West Lincolnshire Carers First, said: "We would like to thank EMR for putting on this special trip and helping all our carers feel so comfortable.
“The day gave carers a much-needed bit of respite. They’re all unpaid and caring in their own homes, so it’s really special for them to have a day where they’re not in that caring role and instead have a whole team looking after them.
"Many of the carers we support don’t have much financially, so a day like this really helps - especially in the run-up to Christmas. The contribution unpaid carers make is equivalent to an entire extra NHS, and events like today help raise their profile and remind people that support is available.”
Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "Carers First is an incredible charity that support the wellbeing and mental health of thousands of unpaid carers across the UK - we couldn’t be more delighted to partner up with a more deserving charity to offer a little bit of magic at this time of year.