HRH The Princess Royal hosts Palace reception celebrating 30-year partnership between Carers Trust and the National Garden Scheme

Carers Trust celebrated 30 years of partnership with the National Garden Scheme this month at a special reception hosted by Carers Trust President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, at St James’s Palace on Thursday 25th June.

The reception brought together 115 guests, including Dame Mary Berry and Alan Titchmarsh CBE, President Emerita and President of the National Garden Scheme respectively, and Angela Rippon CBE, Ambassador for Carers Trust, to celebrate Carers Trust’s longest-standing partnership. Over the past three decades, more than £6.5 million has been raised through visits to National Garden Scheme gardens to support unpaid carers across the UK. 

Carers Trust is a national charity working to support unpaid carers across England, Scotland, and Wales through its 130+ network of local carer services.  

The National Garden Scheme provides access to over 3,300 private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands and raises money for some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities through admissions 

Alongside the vital funding generated through the partnership, the event also recognised the many beautiful National Garden Scheme gardens that have opened their doors to unpaid carers over the years. For many carers, a break is what they need most, but the time and opportunity for a real break can be difficult to find. So being able to access rest, reflection, and connection with nature through National Garden Scheme gardens is incredibly valuable. 

Guests included unpaid carers who have shared their experiences to help shape Carers Trust’s work, National Garden Scheme garden hosts who have welcomed carers into their spaces, and ambassadors, trustees and supporters from both organisations. 

Garden owner and county organiser, Irene Eltringham-Willson, said:  

“It’s wonderful to offer unpaid carers respite in our gardens. As a carer for my own parents, I know just how important it is to get away for a few hours to refresh and relax and enjoy nature, and to chat with others with the same experience – it can be a renewal on many levels.”  

During the reception, The Princess Royal met several guests and heard first-hand from unpaid carers about their caring experience and how meaningful access to National Garden Scheme gardens is for them and their wellbeing. 

Later in the afternoon, Angela Rippon CBE led a special dance segment celebrating the benefits of movement and wellbeing. Guests enjoyed performances from three dance groups before being invited to take part in a simple but fun Cha Cha Cha routine led by Strictly Come Dancing Star, Flavia Cacace-Mistry. 

Reflecting on the afternoon, Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, said: 

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of partnership with the National Garden Scheme, a collaboration that has made a real and lasting difference to many carers across the UK.  

Thanks to the dedication of garden hosts and supporters, this partnership has raised vital funds that have helped us reach more carers and provide essential support when they need it. More than funding, it has offered opportunities for carers to enjoy time in nature, creating moments of rest and renewal that are so often in short supply.” 

Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of National Garden Scheme, said: 

“We could not be prouder at the National Garden Scheme of celebrating this important landmark. Thirty years of continuous support for Carer’s Trust is a huge achievement, and during this time we have donated over £6.5 Million to support the Trust in its crucial work. 

It’s such a great example of the generosity of private gardens being opened for the public, and the power that they generate – raising significant amounts of money to support such worthwhile causes as this.” 

The reception also highlighted the continuing need for greater recognition and investment in support for unpaid carers, and the vital role that partnerships like this play in building a more carer-friendly society. 

For more about the partnership click here