News

Caring for Carers

(16 March 2004)

A charity auction organised by University of Durham students has raised more than £700 for Stockton Borough Carers Resource Centre.

Local businesses supported the event by donating prizes and the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Ann Cains, who nominated the Centre as her charity, and representatives from the organization spoke about their vital work at a dinner to which over 100 students attended.

The initiative was arranged by George Stephenson College students, one of the University of Durham's two colleges at Queen's Campus.

Ben Merriman, President of George Stephenson College said:”We're delighted with the amount raised and we’d like to thank everyone who contributed to making this event such a success and for supporting such a worthy local charity”.

Stockton Borough Carers Resource Centre represents a project/organisation whose primary focus is to provide services, advice, specialist information and support to informal or family carers living within the Borough of Stockton. The Centre is an independent charity ran by carers for carers.

The Centre acts as a focal point for carers, and acts as a ‘One Stop Shop’ to address the needs of carers directly or to act as a sign posting service to other appropriate agencies.

Andrew McMann, Centre Manager said: " its great to think we have the support of local students, not only their financial support, which will benefit 100s of carers, but the contact we have had since the event is phenomenal with several students offering to volunteer in our centre.

Caring touch's one in four people during their lives, it effects both the young and old, these guys have shown a real commitment to a local charity in what for some of them is their adopted town. I know of 1500 carers who wish to say a big thank you".

Photo opportunity Ben Merriman will present the cheque to Councillor Ann Cains at the Wolfson Research Institute, University of Durham, Queen’s Campus, Stockton on Wednesday 17 March at 9.45 a.m.

For further information contact Jan Cawood, PR Officer tel: 0191-334-0018