LETTER TO EDITOR: Actors Dame Judi Dench and Rory Kinnear join Revitalise to highlight desperation of Britain’s exhausted carers

Stars of stage and screen support charity in exposing pressures facing unpaid carers, who are at breaking point despite easing of lockdown

As fir trees block the view to the TV, and half-drunk mugs of mulled wine lay abandoned across the land, we know that Christmas is well and truly upon us once again; a time where many expect some well-earned comfort and joy. Sadly, for the 13.6 million unpaid carers across Britain, the 2020 festive season provides neither this year.

I’d like to take a moment to ask your readers to spare a thought for the nation’s carers this Christmas – as the country prepares for fun and laughter, nothing has changed for Britain’s carers, who are on their knees after nine months of isolation. They have seen their care support abolished and access to vital respite care prohibited, with no end in sight.

British actors Dame Judi Dench and Rory Kinnear have joined forces with Revitalise. Speaking of the desperation for respite care right now, Dame Judi Dench said:

“This need is more important than ever. I am wholeheartedly joining with Revitalise to launch an urgent fundraising appeal, #CareForCarers, to raise £1 million directly to help carers and disabled people get the break they desperately need, and so deserve.“

As well as appearing in a new video for Revitalise, imploring the Government to restore vital emergency respite care, after 14-day isolation guidelines were imposed for anybody entering a care setting, actor Rory Kinnear said:

“Throughout the pandemic, Revitalise has been the voice of home carers. We have heard their stories and feel their desperation. We speak as one, as we implore Government to change its 14-day isolation rules, so that emergency respite care is available, immediately, for those who need it.”

I’m proud to work for Revitalise, who have been providing respite care breaks – a vital lifeline to so many unpaid home carers and their disabled loved ones – for over 57 years. The charity are hoping to raise £1 million as part of their Care for Carers campaign to support carers and their loved ones to access respite care breaks following the difficulties of lockdown.

To support the Revitalise #CareForCarers campaign and help us Raise a Million to subsidise care breaks, please go to: revitalise.org.uk/donate