Young Carers in Cambridgeshire have been given a £1,000 cash boost which will be spent on providing them with an action packed programme of activities during the school summer holidays. The donation was made by Cllr Peter Bucknell, Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, who selected Carers Trust Cambridgeshire as one of his Charities of the Year, with Young Carers as the main beneficiary.
Last year Cllr Bucknell visited our offices in St Ives and met Young Carers who talked to him about their caring role, supporting loved ones at home.
Cllr Bucknell returned on 25 March to present the cheque and said: “I chose Carers Trust Cambridgeshire as one of my charities because of the valuable work it does to support Young Carers who help look after a family member who has health problems. These young people need support themselves and this charity offers help and activities away from the home for them to take part in.”
Dr Helen Brown, CEO of Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, said: “We are very grateful for this fantastic donation which will be used to give our young carers a much needed break during the summer holiday. It will go towards funding a packed programme of summer holiday activities for Young Carers aged 8-18. We know how much our Young Carers enjoy these activities, sometimes it is the only break they have during the holidays, and last year’s highlights included a trip to the seaside and a garden party.”
There are 700,000 Young Carers in the UK who work around the clock providing care and support to family and friends. It is estimated there are as many as two pupils in each class – and identifying them early is vital to provide them with support to safeguard their wellbeing.
If you would like to know more about our summer programme, or if you would like to raise funds for our Young Carers too, please contact Carers Trust Cambridgeshire on 01480 499090.
Pictured from left: Ann Braithwaite, Carers Trust Cambridgeshire Trustee; Dr Helen Brown, CEO of Carers Trust Cambridgeshire; Cllr Peter Bucknell; Mae Smith, Young Carers Support Coordinator with Carers Trust Cambridgeshire; and Linda Collumbell, Chair of Trustees for Carers Trust Cambridgeshire.
* Not sure if you are a young carer or not? Do any of the following apply to you?
- Do you have a relative, including siblings, who are disabled, ill or injured, meaning that you have to care extra for them?
- Do chores for a relative, such as cleaning, because they are unable to?
- Live with a relative who misuses substances?
- Live with a relative who has issues with their emotional well being?
- Struggle to attend school or college regularly?
- Help look after someone which means that you can’t spend time with your friends or get your homework done?
Our projects enable Young Carers and Young Adult Carers to meet other young people in similar caring roles and have fun away from their responsibilities. Activities and support includes:
- Regular groups
- Day trips
- Focus days and activities such as healthy eating and drama or photography workshops
- Residential trips away from home
- School groups and support within Further Education establishments
- 1:1 support if needed
- Transition planning and Carers’ Star Outcome support
- Online support
Notes to Editors:
For further enquiries, please contact Carers Trust Cambridgeshire on 01480 499090, see our website or email [email protected]
