Young Carers in Dorset given extra support through charity donations
They've had cinema trips, supermarket vouchers and even a computer
Some of Dorset's young carers have been getting extra support, thanks to a charity donation.
The Friends of Dorset Young Carers gave £500 in the run-up to Christmas, to provide some help and treats.
Supermarket vouchers were given to some families, with other given cinema tickets for a bit of respite.
A Chromebook computer has also been funded, to support a young person with their college studies.
A young carer is someone aged between 5 and 18 who provides significant, regular, or ongoing care, or emotional support to a family member who is mentally ill, physically ill or disabled.
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help, said:
“Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying, and stressful, even more so when you are a child or young person with caring responsibilities.
“A huge thank you to Friends of Dorset Young Carers for their generous donation and continued support for Dorset’s young carers. It is wonderful to see young carers being recognised and rewarded for their efforts.”
Debbie Dunford, Chair of Friends of Dorset Young Carers, said:
“The members of the committee of the Friends of Dorset Young Carers charity are pleased to be able to help young carers individually with items to enhance their lives, and to help them cope with the extra duties they need to perform in their lives to undertake their caring duties.
“We were delighted to be able to donate £500 for food vouchers at Christmas, and to provide a computer and cinema tickets for Young Carers and their families.
“This funding was available because of donations from Bryan Cole, retired members of the Royal Dragoon Guards, Swanage Carnival, Sturminster Newton Rotary Club, and the Parochial Church Council at Powerstock.”