A rising number of Carers are unable to fulfil essential tasks or attend vital appointments due to the 24/7 care they provide for their loved ones.

However, support from Carer Support South Lakes (CSSL) is affording Carers regular breaks to look after necessary business.

The charity recently received a contribution of £3,000 from local housebuilder Russell Armer Homes, which will be utilised over the next three years to support its Volunteer Sitting Service.

The funds will aid in employing a Sitting Service Support Worker responsible for connecting trained volunteers to those who require support, thereby providing Carers with an essential break.

CSSL's chief executive, Debi Marsden said: "CSSL has been operational for 31 years and the Sitting Service was started more than 12 years ago with the purpose of giving Carers a break from their caring duties."

The necessity for Carers to be available round the clock often leaves them unable to complete tasks that many of us take for granted.

Ms Marsden said: "What we’ve seen since Covid is that the Carers who may have once took the opportunity to meet up with friends or do a social activity in the three hours’ break our Volunteers allow them to take, more are using the time to do everyday tasks which we may think are mundane, such as go to the shops or go to the post office to pay bills, because that is the only time they are able to do so.

"Our Volunteer Sitting Service has become something of a lifeline for Carers to get that time they desperately need away from the household, and it’s with thanks to the kind donations and funding we receive from such a supportive community that we are able to run such a vital service."

There are currently more than 70 'lovely volunteers' offering their services to Carers and their loved ones.

The Volunteer Sitting Service from CSSL is available five days a week and Carers receive one ‘sit’ per month.

Nicky Gordon, chief executive of Russell Armer Homes, said: “Hearing the stories about how some Carers are unable to do tasks such as pop out for some milk or go to the doctors really brought it home about how much they struggle to carry out tasks which we take for granted.

“So to contribute, albeit in a small way, to provide the brief respite desperately needed by both the Carer and their loved ones is really humbling, and we’re delighted to support such an amazing initiative.”

The grant to CSSL is part of a £20,000 fund provided by Russell Armer Homes via Cumbria Community Foundation to support local projects.

Other initiatives funded include nursery equipment for Shap School, the Climate Leaders programme led by Cumbria Development Education Centre, a sports and outreach project for The Phoenix Youth Project, a new bus shelter in Kirkbarrow, the Bright Stars programme by the Centre for Leadership Performance, Churches Together Penrith’s befriending service, and enhancements to facilities at Brewery Arts.