More than 40 festive hampers were this week delivered to families of young carers in the Huntingdon area supported by Carers Trust Cambridgeshire.
This is more than three times the number of hampers delivered last year – thanks to the support of DHL Logistics who collected donations for the hampers from their kind-hearted colleagues, using money that would have been used to pay for their Christmas party to buy toys and treats for the families of young carers instead.
Staff at Carers Trust Cambridgeshire also donated for the hampers, as well as friends and supporters.
Rob Randall, who works for the IT team at DHL, said: “My sister-in-law Lisa Masters who works in Peterborough with young carers often tells me about her work and it sounds fantastic. I decided I wanted to do something to help as everyone there does a great job supporting young carers. What better time is there to do something special for young carers and their families than Christmas!”
Rob and staff from DHL helped deliver the hampers, laden with crackers and chocolates, biscuits and cakes, the treats that everyone enjoys at Christmas.
Alice Boon, Young Carers Project Officer, said: “We were overwhelmed with the response and would like to thank everyone who contributed, to all at DHL who have made this the biggest bumper festive hamper delivery ever. We would also like to thank our generous staff and everyone else who donated.”
* Not sure if you are a young carer or not? Do any of the following apply to 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
