In the run up to Christmas 2023, a generous donation from Friends of Dorset Young Carers was received, allowing the charity to spread some cheer to young carers and their families.

The £500 donation enabled provision of supermarket vouchers for several families of young carers, at a time when they needed it most.

Donations from the Friends of Dorset Young Carers have also allowed the charity to fund a Chromebook so that a young person can access college, and several young carers have been gifted cinema tickets.

A Young Carer is a young person aged between five and 18 who provides significant, regular, or ongoing care, or emotional support to a family member who is mentally ill, physically ill or disabled.

Looking after someone who is physically or mentally unwell can be demanding and can make it difficult to look after yourself, or to put your own needs first.

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help, said:  "Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying, and stressful, even more so when you are a child or young person with caring responsibilities.

"A huge thank you to Friends of Dorset Young Carers for their generous donation and continued support for Dorset's young carers. It is wonderful to see young carers being recognised and rewarded for their efforts."

Debbie Dunford, Chair of Friends of Dorset Young Carers, said: "The members of the committee of the Friends of Dorset Young Carers charity are pleased to be able to help young carers individually with items to enhance their lives, and to help them cope with the extra duties they need to perform in their lives to undertake their caring duties.

"We were delighted to be able to donate £500 for food vouchers at Christmas, and to provide a computer and cinema tickets for Young Carers and their families.

"This funding was available because of donations from Bryan Cole, retired members of the Royal Dragoon Guards, Swanage Carnival, Sturminster Newton Rotary Club, and the Parochial Church Council at Powerstock."

How you can help Dorset's Young Carers

If you would like to help Dorset's Young Carers and their families, contact Friends of Dorset Young Carers or contact Dorset Council's Young Carers Service for more information.

There are several charities and organisations who are working hard to make a difference to the lives of Dorset's Young Carers. You can find out more about the different support available to Young Carers on the Dorset Council website.