As winter draws in, Tariq Raja, Executive Director at the CareTech Foundation, reflects on a year of generosity, resilience and community spirit—spotlighting the carers, fundraisers and volunteers who continue to make a difference when it matters most.
As we enter the winter season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the successes we’ve achieved together and the positive impact we’ve made together. While the world begins to slow down for Halloween, Guy Fawkes, Diwali and Christmas celebrations, and, for a rest, our colleagues in frontline services, cannot. For many, winter can be a lonely season and for families, it often brings additional financial pressures. As a social care funder, we’re committed to maintaining our presence, planning ahead and strengthening our support for the community we serve as we move into the New Year.
The generosity of our CareTech Ltd community has been truly inspiring this year. Across the organisation, staff members and service users have gone above and beyond- fundraising, volunteering and supporting causes close to their hearts. Through our Match-Funding Grants, we’re able to double their impact by matching the amount raised, penny for penny, up to £350. This year alone, we awarded 85 Match-Funding Grants, totalling £31,000, to a wide range of charities across the UK and overseas.
Behind every number is a story of compassion and determination. One such story is that of Kenton, whose life changed in 2019 when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and his mother with bone cancer. Thanks to the exceptional care provided by The Christie Charity, his mother remains in remission, and his wife continues to receive treatment for secondary breast cancer. To give back, Kenton completed a 62-mile cycle from Manchester to Blackpool, raising £887 to support The Christie Charity’s life-changing work for cancer patients. His remarkable effort was recognised at the company’s annual awards, where he received the esteemed Michael Hill Charity Award. Kenton’s story is just one of many that highlight the compassion and commitment of people across the social care community.
The social care sector is built on the dedication of individuals- each connected to families, friends and local communities. At the Foundation, we believe it’s essential to extend our support not only to those working in care but also to the people around them. Our Community Grants empower CareTech Ltd staff and service users to advocate for the people close to them as well as local causes and initiatives that enrich the communities where they live and work.
This year, we were particularly moved by an application on behalf of Nickel Support, a charity based in Sutton that provides person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities. The organisation helps individuals develop practical skills that lead to more meaningful and independent lives. We were proud to award a £2,000 grant to help Nickel Support purchase learning aids and sensory materials for at least 120 individuals with autism and learning disabilities- enhancing their ability to access and participate in community life. Stories like this remind us of the real difference that connection and kindness can make.
As the days grow shorter and colder, it’s important to acknowledge that winter can be challenging for many. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects an estimated 7% of people in the UK, while the ongoing cost of living crisis continues to place strain on households. At a time traditionally associated with warmth, celebration and family, many people experience loneliness, stress or financial hardship.
Over the last year, the Foundation helped 196 staff members overcome significant financial hardships by providing them with a grant that helped them recover from tragedy, poor health and
any other reason beyond their control. Because, that is what is required, to help make a difference when someone is down and cannot get back up, a helping hand comes in many designs.
As we look ahead to the New Year, it’s crucial that we continue to uphold the compassion, generosity and community spirit that define our value as a society and a community. Winter may bring challenges but it also offers an opportunity to come together, to give back and to ensure that no one is left behind.
At the Foundation, our community is made up of givers, fundraisers, selfless individuals, volunteers and the one thing they have in common is they are all already carers, who we are immensely proud of. They are the ones who won’t have the winter off but together, we will continue to build on the spirit of support and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
