MPs unite to back £1 million fundraiser providing emergency grants for self-isolating care workers
Dozens of MPs are backing a fundraiser to secure £1 million for care workers who are forced to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.
The fundraiser has already seen more than £100,000 donated to enable the Care Workers’ Charity to give workers in the field grants if they need financial support.
More than 60 MPs from the cross-party network More United and across the House of Commons have signed an open letter congratulating the charity and the public who have donated to the cause.
Several of the MPs have also donated.
The charity has seen a huge increase in demand during the Covid-19 outbreak, and it is feared many of the estimated two million carers in the UK may struggle if they have to stay at home to self-isolate for up to 14 days.
Experts in the industry say that around 25% of the profession are currently being forced to self-isolate.
Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon (pictured) in south-west London, said: “Care workers are at the front line of this crisis, and we need to make sure that those who spend their lives caring for others get the support they need.
“The grants that the Care Workers’ Charity provide are a vital lifeline, but the increased need means they need our support more than ever.”
Karolina Gerlich, executive director at the charity, said the coronavirus outbreak is “one of the biggest crises our generation will see in its lifetime”.
“Care workers are at the front line of this, caring for the people in our society who are most susceptible to the virus.
“If a care worker needs to self-isolate they will fall into desperate need.
“For this reason, we need more funds for extra emergency grants. I am very grateful to all MPs that have signed the letter of support for our campaign.”
Tabitha Morton, chief executive of More United said: “These are challenging times for everyone, but the way that people have come together in a time of crisis is amazing.”
She added: “The wide support it has got from MPs shows how important this cause is and how valued our social care workers are.”
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