Local charity, Carers Support Centre, is delighted to have been selected by the Co-op local community fund this year. This means just by shopping, Co-op members can support for young carers. When you shop at any Co-op store simply select Carers Support Centre as your cause; for every £1 you spend 2p will go to back to you and 2p is donated to young carers breaks.
Despite Covid-19 restrictions, Carers Support Centre are determined that young carers still get a break. The charity recently delivered a range of online group events for young carers, in partnership with local businesses and charities. Young carers who attended said:
“I felt proud of myself because I cooked a meal for my mum. She loved it.”
“It was fun, we played lots of games and started to write a play.”
“I loved the dance and I thought it was so creative”
Caring is a huge responsibility that should only ever be expected of an adult. Young carers do a fantastic job of caring for someone at home, but it has a big impact on a young life. Young carers struggle to keep up with schoolwork and suffer with stress, anxiety and depression. This is why breaks mean so much to young carers. They give them the chance to take some much-needed time away from their caring role and socialise, relax, and just enjoy being kids for a while.
Joss Tagg, Young Carers Service Manager of Carers Support Centre, explains:
“Having a break increases young carers’ resilience so they can continue caring for sick and vulnerable family members in a robust and safe way. Joining in with activities helps their wellbeing and creates lasting friendships and peer support. Activities provide a fun and entertaining break, as well as life skills and training. Activities also decrease anxiety, loneliness and isolation.”
You can help young carers get more breaks simply by getting a Co-op membership card and choosing Carers Support Centre as your cause.
Becoming a Co-op member is easy. Join and choose Carers Support Centre here: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/49881
Thank you