Donegal has 18,619 family carers

There are now 18,619 family carers across Donegal, according to Family Carers Ireland.

These carers provide round-the-clock care for loved ones who are ill, elderly or have additional needs. Often unpaid, unseen and exhausted, these family carers hold their families together under immense pressure and isolation. They form the backbone of communities and health services - yet many are struggling in silence.

Family Carers Ireland’s Community Support Manager in Donegal, Patricia Blee said: “Caring doesn’t stop - it doesn’t clock off at 5pm. In every town and parish in Donegal, someone is quietly providing full-time care with little or no support.”

To recognise and support family carers, Family Carers Ireland is urging the public to buy a Heart of Gold pin (€2). The campaign runs throughout June, culminating in Heart of Gold Day on Thursday, June 12, during National Carers Week from June 9-15.

Each €2 gold heart sold helps towards funding essential services for family carers, including respite breaks, counselling, the National Freephone Careline, local drop-in centres, peer support groups, and training. These are not just services - they are lifelines that help family carers cope with the daily realities of their role. 

“We regularly see family carers pushed to breaking point - financially strained, emotionally drained and completely isolated,” said Patricia. “Buying a gold heart might seem like a small gesture, but it’s genuinely meaningful. €2 won’t fix everything, but it can help towards providing the respite, counselling or urgent support a family carer desperately needs.”

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This year the Heart of Gold campaign is proudly supported by Lidl Ireland, with gold hearts available in all 186 Lidl stores nationwide during the month of June.

To learn more, donate, or access support, visit www.familycarers.ie

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