A Bassetlaw event, supported by Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL), has helped identify young carers in the area and means that they will get vital support and funding that is available. BPL’s health and wellbeing officer Angie Dainty highlighted that there weren’t many events in Bassetlaw for young people who were caring for relatives and as Angie has first-hand experience of this through her grandchildren, she went to work arranging an event.
With the help of Noelle Barron, development manager at FOYIB (Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw), who secured funding for the travel arrangements and BPL providing the bowling alley, food and refreshments for the day, the young people were given a Christmas party they thoroughly deserved.
With the help and support of Nicola Boswell, customer service advisor for BPL, and Vicky Waring of Home instead, Angie decided to ask friends, customers and family members to donate presents not only to give to the children but to their families as well. David Challinor, chair for Bassetlaw District Council, also provided funding for gifts. Whilst, Vanessa Cookson from Bassetlaw District Council, helped greatly with the donation of presents. The response was astonishing!
Tables were provided at BPL sites at Bircotes, Retford and Worksop and the Bassetlaw District Council office and they soon became covered in presents. Angie and Nicky went around local businesses asking for donations with Halifax Bank’s Worksop branch raising over £100 in a raffle.
Angie and Nicola would like to add a special thank you to Glyn Davies, contracts manager for BPL Bassetlaw, for the contribution so each child received a £120 gift card to use their nearest site throughout the year — this was such a special gift for the children.
Also, a massive thank you to Lauren Medlam, support worker at the Carers’ Trust, who works hard in the area to provide vital funding and support to these children.
Lauren said: “Angie and Nicola created a fantastic day but the most importantly the new young carers who have been identified will receive all the support and funding we can now offer them.”
A young carer does not always identify themselves as a young carer but if you are under the age of 18 and help to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition or substance misuse, this could be you. If you think you maybe a young carer please get in touch.
As a result of identifying the lack of support and the success of the day, Bassetlaw now has its very own young carer service. If you are interested in getting involved in these events or finding out about the additional support for young carers please contact laurenmedlam@carerstrustem.org or support@foypib.org.uk.