Modern day marchers use spirit of Jarrow Crusade to support unpaid carers
More than 70 people, inspired by the Jarrow Crusade, marched across South Tyneside to support unpaid carers.
Modern-day marchers - inspired by the Jarrow Crusade of 90 years ago – have taken short but important steps in the right direction to promote the work of unpaid carers.
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Around 70 people gathered in the town to navigate its streets in an uplifting show of support and solidarity for annual national Carers Week.
They started beside the ‘Spirit of Jarrow’ sculpture, before journeying along Low Road to their final destination at St Andrew’s Church.
The sculpture, outside the town’s Morrison’s store, celebrates the famous near 300-mile unemployment and poverty protest trek to the House of Commons in October 1936.
South Shields-based Connected Caring, a support organisation which offers advice and guidance to unpaid carers, organised the latest walk.
It was one of several events it undertook to mark Carers Week, which this year ended last Sunday (NOTE – June 14).
Monica Scott, community and digital development worker at Connected Caring, said the march was a great success.
She added: “What a fantastic turnout for our Carers Week ‘March’.
“Inspired by the spirit of the Jarrow Crusade, we came together to raise awareness of the vital role carers play in our communities and to ensure their voices are heard.
“A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported, and helped make the event such a success.
“The incredible turnout was a powerful demonstration of unity, recognition, and support for unpaid carers.
“We could not be prouder of the representation shown today and the strong message it sends about the importance of valuing and supporting carers.
“Together, we walked with purpose, honoured our local history, and highlighted the challenges and contributions of carers today.”
Connected Caring is a partnership between Age Concern South Tyneside, Sense Ability Matters and Your Voice Counts, and enjoys financial backing from South Tyneside Council.
The service delivers personalised support aimed at empowering carers, promoting choice and improving quality of life.
It works alongside health and social care services, voluntary sector organisations and community groups to help carers access comprehensive support and vital resources.
The organisation recently warned of the growing pressures unpaid carers face amid increasing demand for health and social care support.
It described as “significant” the rise in the number of people seeking advice, guidance and practical support while caring for loved ones.