25 Dorset young carers have been taken to see War Horse at Southampton’s Mayflower as a reward for their hard work and for some down time from their often demanding responsibilities.
There are currently 117 young carers in the county being supported by the Dorset Young Carers Service.
Over the past year, the service has provided a range of activities and services to these young people including:
one-to-one intensive support
group day trips
residential trips for the whole family
practical skills training, such as first aid and cookery
The service has also teamed up with charity My Time in Worth Matravers, which offers play days and short breaks.
Dorset Young Carers Service believes that many more young carers may remain hidden and strives to identify and assess potential young carers to ensure they have access to all the help and support available to them.
Councillor Steve Butler, lead member for Children’s Services said:
“Dorset Young Carers Service provides these unsung heroes with support and understanding as well as time-out from their home responsibilities.
“Young carers can feel isolated and face many challenges depending on their personal situation.
“These activities are an opportunity for young carers to relax and talk with each other.”
Carole Saunders from the service said: “Events like these are only made possible for our young carers by the ongoing support of charities such as the Careline Appeal, who funded the theatre trip.
“We continue to receive support from Friends of Dorset Young Carers, Rotary clubs, My Time charity, Careline and the Leonardo Trust. Without them we wouldn’t be able to offer such a great range of support and activities for our young carers.”
Information, support and access to other local services for young carers and their family members can be found here.
