Quarriers Moray Carers Service investing £500 Tesco Community Grant in cookery classes for unpaid carers in Forres

LOCAL unpaid carers are being offered free cookery sessions thanks to funding voted for by supermarket customers.

Quarriers Moray Carers Service (QMCS) is using a £500 Tesco Community Grant for bespoke cookery classes and recipes for carers on low incomes to improve their own health and wellbeing as well as that of their families.

Moray carer support service coordinator, Sandi Downing, was delighted to hear about the support.

She said: "We had no preconceived idea how much we would receive as it was a public vote where the amount is determined based on the results.

"The money will allow us to support parent carers in the Forres area with some fun and informative healthy eating sessions. They’ll determine exactly what’s included but we're hoping for creative recipes and meal ideas, and some mutual support around cooking on a budget for families."

She added: "The parent carers will decide which cookery courses appeal to them, and they can decide when they want to do them. It’ll be a self-selection process."

Young Carers Action Day today (Wednesday March 15) provides national recognition for young carers. QMCS is working with secondary schools to #maketimeforyoungcarers, encouraging the wider community to recognise the significant contribution made by young carers to families, schools and communities.

There are almost 180 young carers registered with the service.

"There are many more hidden from view by not talking about their role," added Ms Downing. "Please help us to help them by being aware of children and young people in families where someone has a physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or uses substances.

"We can be contacted on 01343 556031 or via carersmoray@quarriers.org.uk."