This year’s campaign invites the public to “give the gift of friendship”, helping reduce loneliness and isolation
The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, has launched its 2025 Christmas Appeal to raise essential funds for its befriending programme, which supports unpaid carers.
This year’s campaign invites the public to “give the gift of friendship”, helping reduce loneliness and isolation among carers.
Any donation to the Eric Liddell Community will help the charity reach more unpaid carers, offering relief, connection, and stability as many navigate turbulent transitions and mental health challenges.
With over 1.7 million of Scotland's adult population having provided unpaid care at some point, and 700,000 currently doing so, the demand for reliable and relieving support continues to grow.
Many unpaid carers struggle to access long-term and meaningful help, which is where the Eric Liddell Community steps in. Its befriending service already delivers more than 2,500 hours of companionship each year, and with your support, it can extend this vital lifeline even further.
From today (Tuesday, 2 December) till Tuesday, 9 December 9th at noon, donations to the appeal will be matched by The Big Give.
By donating directly to The Eric Liddell Community’s Big Give page, all donations will be doubled, enabling the charity to support even more people who urgently need help.
Hannah Rees, fundraising relationships Officer at The Eric Liddell Community, highlighted the importance of the Christmas Appeal: “With around 700,000 unpaid carers in Scotland providing caring support, full-time for loved ones with dementia, disabilities, or long-term illnesses, we are looking for your support in extending the reach of our essential befriending services. 82% of unpaid carers report dealing with mental health struggles, and during the season of giving, we ask you to consider a donation via our Big Give page to help double the impact of your support.”
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added: “We are proud to welcome thousands of monthly visitors through the doors of The Eric Liddell Community, and with your support, we are excited to expand our offerings as we move into 2026. The match funding provided by The Big Give will make a significant difference, enabling us to reach and support even more unpaid carers facing daily challenges.”
After 9 December, donations towards the appeal can be made directly via The Eric Liddell Community’s website.
To donate to The Eric Liddell Community’s Christmas Appeal via The Big Give, please visit the donation page.
For more information on the befriending services that the charity offers, please visit https://ericliddell.org/carers-programme/#befriending
