Family Carers Ireland Honoured to Receive European Citizen’s Prize

Award recognises vital contribution made by the 500,000 family carers in Ireland who are represented by the charity

Family Carers Ireland says it is honoured to have been awarded the prestigious European Citizen’s Prize in recognition of Ireland’s family carers.

In normal times, family carers provide extraordinary levels of care in the home to loved ones, putting the needs of others before their own. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they have played a hugely significant role in lessening the spread of the virus and supporting the Irish healthcare system by keeping vulnerable family and friends safe at home and out of hospital. They have done this at time when essential supports and services have been withdrawn or severely curtailed.

The national charity representing Ireland’s 500,000 family carers was nominated for the award by Fine Gael MEPs who described family carers as the epitome of community spirit and EU values in dedicating so much of themselves to the health and well-being of their families.

Reacting to today’s announcement, Family Carers Ireland’s Head of Communications and Policy Catherine Cox said:

"Family Carers Ireland are honoured to receive this prestigious Prize on behalf of the family carers that we represent. Family carers have risen to the many challenges of Covid-19 keeping their loved ones safe at home, but this has, in many cases, come at a huge cost to their own mental and physical health and well-being. Their contribution to our society and health services deserves recognition and we thank the MEPs for nominating us as the national organisation representing such an important group in our communities. Whilst we welcome today's announcement, far more needs to be done to provide, real tangible support to Ireland's 500,000 family carers."

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

Each year, the European Parliament awards 'The European Citizen's Prize'. This prize is an award for exceptional achievements in the following areas:

Projects promoting better mutual understanding and closer integration between citizens of the Member States or facilitating cross-border or transnational cooperation within the European Union.

Projects involving long-term, cross-border or transnational cultural cooperation contributing to the strengthening of a European spirit.

Projects linked to the current European Year (if applicable).

Projects giving concrete expression to the values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.