WORCESTER’s popular music festival has revealed its chosen charity for the 2018 event will be the Worcestershire Association of Carers.
The festival, which takes place between Friday, September 14 and Sunday, September 16, is hosted across the city centre and celebrates the arts while supporting a different local cause each year.
Festival goers will be encouraged to donate to the charity during one of the festival’s 250 or more live performances over the weekend.
Worcestershire Association of Carers, founded in 1997, is a registered charity that provides an independent source of information, advice and support for unpaid carers who dedicate their time to caring for their loved ones.
They also endeavour to represent them on both a local and national level, gaining them the recognition they deserve.
As Worcestershire Association of Carers prioritises giving carers a break from their role, they intend to run projects that help them experience a respite from their demanding positions.
‘Carers Unlimited’ has been launched to lead such projects, so far organising breakfasts and trips to sporting matches, allowing carers to increase their networks and support one another.
Carole Cumino, CEO of Worcestershire Association of Carers, said: “It is a fantastic local event that we are looking forward to being involved with as community support is so important to us.
“We hope to use some of the money raised to start our own carers choir as we know how important and uplifting music can be in people’s lives.
“2018 is Worcestershire Association of Carers 20th anniversary year so this is a wonderful way to start and we and are so grateful for the support.”
With the money raised, the charity plan to continue these events, launching a carers choir as a priority as, in a recent a report, music and singing activities have been found to improve wellbeing and enhance a sense of purpose in those taking part.
They are also looking to host wellbeing and mindfulness sessions for carers to develop engagement and support.
Nicola Boraston, the festival’s charity co-ordinator, said: “It’s important for the festival to support worthy causes and Worcestershire Association of Carers is definitely one we’re passionate about. In the past, we’ve supported Worcestershire Young Carers so we’re looking forward to continue our support for the caring community.”
The festival, now in its 11th year, has to date supported 16 charities, raising almost £50,000.
Last year, the team donated more than £4,000 to St Paul’s Hostel, enabling the charity to continue to provide 24-hour emergency care for those in need.
Visit www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @worcsmusicfest for the latest news on the festival.
