Reading Time: 2 minutes

MoneyMagpie recently surveyed 2000 people about their Christmas spending habits, revealing that 56% of people plan to spend over £500 for their festive season. But spare a thought for those on low incomes or who rely solely on Carer’s Allowance (which is a tiny weekly amount). They aren’t going to be spending Christmas with extravagance – and instead, according to online care finder Lottie, 7.3 million people across the UK will juggle financial and emotional challenges of caregiving at this time of year.

In fact, Lottie revealed that almost a third of financial support applications have been rejected in 2024, which means many families will be over £2,000 in debt this Christmas. Unpaid carers, such as family members caring for a loved one, face out of pocket expenses of up to £2013 during the festive season. One in ten people in the UK have caregiving responsibilities, and have to bear the brunt of the cost of that care too. More than that, the emotional impact of caregiving can take its toll at any time – and even more so as other social commitments ramp up throughout December and carers feel like they’re spread too thin.

That’s why Lottie is running a giveaway to show the love and appreciation for unpaid caregivers. Three winners will receive a £250 Air BnB voucher to help them find a little getaway for some enjoyment and rest.

Will Donnelly, Co-Founder and CEO of Lottie, is calling on the public to nominate local care workers and share the inspiring stories of those making a real difference in their communities:

“Our research has found that 7.3 million people in the UK have caregiving responsibilities – that’s equivalent to one in ten of the population.

This Christmas, unpaid carers, in particular, are facing financial challenges, as they are expected to be out of pocket by an average of £2,012.65 when balancing caregiving and additional festive costs. At the same time, the care sector continues to struggle with workforce shortages, with one in 12 positions vacant. These pressures have left millions of carers at breaking point, both financially and emotionally.

That’s why we’re excited to launch our Carers Christmas Giveaway 2024 and encourage the nation to get behind it. Watch our video to see the joy and magic carers bring to residents every day, and nominate a care worker you know to win an Airbnb getaway.

We urge carers across the country to share their stories and experiences, nominate themselves or a fellow carer, and help us shine a light on the vital role they play in the lives of so many.”

This isn’t a MoneyMagpie draw; please visit Lottie’s website for details of how to nominate yourself or a carer you know to be in with a chance of winning. The draw closes for nominations on 9th December 2024.