Young carers in Tower Hamlets struggling with the lockdown are enjoying activities, games and treats to support their mental health, thanks to a £1,000 grant from Tesco.
Run by Tower Hamlets Youth Service, the Young Carers Project aims to provide young carers with the opportunity to take a break from the daily responsibilities of being a carer by interacting with others facing similar challenges. Before the pandemic, the group of 8- to 18-year-olds would take part in activities such as art, music, wall-climbing and bowling.
As a way of supporting the carers during lockdown, packages were sent containing fun activities such as arts and crafts, games, colouring books and chocolates to fight feelings of isolation and to help improve their mental wellbeing.
Sorrel Norwood, Young Carers and CLICC Participation Worker from The Young Carers Project, said: “A lot of the young carers have been shielding throughout COVID-19, meaning the usual respite we provide has been brought to a halt.
“That’s why it’s been even more important for us to reach out to the carers who are often on their own looking after a family member with a disability or illness.
“Even before the pandemic, the strain on these amazing young people was considerable, and that’s why it’s been absolutely essential that we continue to support them throughout.
“The care packages have been received brilliantly and have offered the young carers a nice boost during lockdown, and we’re extremely grateful that the Tesco grant has made this possible.”
As part of the special round of community funding for youth charities, grants of £1,000 have been made available in every region of the UK.
Keith Jackson, Bags of Help Manager at Tesco, said: “Young people have been among the most affected by the pandemic this year, be it due to school disruption or vital services stopping.
“We’re therefore very pleased to see so many charities and community groups coming forward for support, all of whom carry out vital work for young people in the UK, and we’re delighted to be able to provide much-needed funding for many of them, including The Young Carers Project in Tower Hamlets.”
Other groups in London to be awarded a grant included The Change Foundation in Sutton and Community Cycle Works in Southwark.
The process is managed through the website of Tesco’s partner charity, Groundwork.
Alex Forrester, Corporate Partnership Manager from Groundwork, commented: “We have seen a wide variety of groups come forward for funding, including outdoor activities, mental health charities, young carers, bereavement counselling, and charities working with vulnerable children.
“We see day to day the incredible work these groups do, but also how much they need funding to operate, which is often hard to come by, so it is fantastic to work with Tesco to be able to give a little help to some of them.”
