Championing Social Care is hosting the second annual Great British Care Cycle Relay, coinciding with Care Home Open Week from June 24th to 30th. This year’s event promises to be even more impactful, with more dedicated riders highlighting the significance of social care to local communities and the economy.
Care Home Open Week, hosted by Championing Social Care, aims to showcase the exceptional work carried out in the social care sector. The initiative provides care services with the resources to engage their local communities by opening their doors. Last year, over 5,000 homes, including CareTech services, participated across the country. More than 150 MPs visited these homes, joining countless events and activities involving the public.
Last year marked the inaugural Care Cycle Relay from Manchester to London. This year, the relay expands into a truly Great British event, covering 300 miles from Sale, through Wales, to London via the West Midlands and the Home Counties. Additionally, a group of riders will cycle from Scotland to join the official start in Greater Manchester, including CareTech Foundation CEO Jonathan Freeman MBE.
Jonathan will be undertaking his longest ride ever, cycling 140 miles from Gretna Green to Manchester in one day, tackling 6,000 feet of elevation. His ride aims to raise funds for two remarkable causes: the CareTech Foundation, which supports care professionals through their Hardship Fund, and Carers Worldwide, which supports unpaid carers in South Asia.
The social care sector employs 1.6 million people, more than the NHS, yet many struggle financially due to chronic underfunding. The Foundation’s grants significantly help these individuals.
Carers Worldwide has transformed the lives of over 180,000 unpaid carers and their family members across India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Unpaid carers are often isolated, stigmatised and overlooked and Carers Worldwide supports their emotional, physical and financial well-being. They also work with local governments to promote long term policy change so that all unpaid carers, wherever they live, are recognised and valued.
Jonathan has witnessed firsthand, the transformative impact of both charities on individuals and their communities, making these two causes particularly meaningful to him.
Generosity is key to the success of this fundraiser. Those wishing to support Jonathan and the two great charities can visit the donation page here.
Join us in celebrating and supporting the social care sector through these fantastic events, and help make a difference in the lives of care professionals and unpaid carers.
