Young carers in Harrogate given a break thanks to a £7,500 cash boost from a North Yorkshire school
3rd October 2008
Young carers in Harrogate are being given the chance to put the strains of everyday life on hold for a while thanks to the fund-raising efforts of a local school.
While most children are free to play with their friends, join in after-school clubs and enjoy trips out, hundreds of youngsters from across the Harrogate district are at home caring for parents or siblings.
They have responsibilities far beyond their years –cooking, cleaning and providing emotional support for family members who are ill, have a disability or experience mental health, drug or alcohol issues.
But thanks to fundraising by parents of children at Belmont Grosvenor School, many young carers have been able to experience activities other children take for granted.
A Summer Ball at the school, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, raised £15,000 – with the money divided equally between the Young Carers Team at Harrogate’s Carers’ Resource and Belmont Grosvenor PTA.
And this week members of the independent prep school’s PTA met some of the young carers to see how their money is being spent.
Activities organized by Carers’ Resource, based in
It is the second year Belmont Grosvenor School’s PTA has raised funds for the Young Carers Team at the Harrogate Carers Resource, and youngsters supported by the project are delighted.
John, 11, who cares for his wheelchair-bound mum, spent a day at the seaside during the summer thanks to the school’s fundraising activities – and he and other carers had a great time.
“It was wonderful. We can’t get to the seaside as mum is in a wheelchair. I met some new friends too who I’ve kept in touch with – it was great fun,” he said.
Belmont Grosvenor School PTA chairman Sue White said: “Our children at Belmont Grosvenor are fortunate enough to be able to do these activities any time they choose, so this is our chance to make a real difference.”
“We want to give these young carers much needed breaks and the opportunity to gain some strong childhood memories – through adventure weekends, day trips and art and music courses, all to help them gain experience and confidence,” she said.
Gill Gentle, head of carer services at the Carers’ Resource said: “Without people in the community supporting these young people, we would not be able to do our job. We wouldn’t be able to give them a break from their duties and responsibilities were it not for the kindness of parents at Belmont Grosvenor School
“These trips bring such pleasure and a chance to meet other young carers in similar situations to themselves. Above all these children have fun – something rare in their daily lives,” she said.
