Sixty MPs from the More United Network and across the House of Commons have backed a new fundraiser aiming to raise £1 million for grants to support care workers who are forced to self-isolate because of Covid-19.

The fundraiser has a target of £1 million, and has already raised £100,000 since its launch and aims to provide those workers with financial support if they need it.

There are around two million carers in the UK, and many of them will be forced out of work and find themselves struggling if they have to self-isolate. The Care Workers’ Charity issues grants to care workers in financial difficulty, but the coronavirus pandemic has seen a huge increase in demand, and driven a need for more funds. 

The 60 MPs involved have all signed an open letter congratulating the charity and the public who have donated, and several of the MPs have donated themselves.

Tabitha Morton, chief executive of More United, stated: “These are challenging times for everyone, but the way that people have come together in a time of crisis is amazing. We saw as a nation how we value the incredible work carers deliver every day with #ClapforCarers, and this new fund allows people to show that they #Care4Carers and make sure that if a care worker needs financial support then they will get it. The wide support it has got from MPs shows how important this cause is and how valued our social care workers are.”

Karolina Gerlich, executive director at The Care Workers’ Charity, said: “Covid-19 is one of the biggest crises our generation will see in its lifetime. Care workers are at the frontline of this, caring for the people in our society who are most susceptible to the virus. If a care worker needs to self-isolate they will fall into desperate need. For this reason, we need more funds for extra emergency grants. I am very grateful to all MPs that have signed the letter of support for our campaign.”

Stephen Hammond Conservative MP, said: “Care workers are at the front line of this crisis, and we need to make sure that those who spend their lives caring for others get the support they need. The grants that The Care Workers Charity provide are a vital lifeline, but the increased need means they need our support more than ever.”