Young carers get a £10,000 boost

Over the next year, funding will help cover the cost of staff, small equipment and activities to deliver fortnightly activities to young people with caring responsibilities across the Harborough District.

The money will help young people benefit from leisure and recreational activities, such as crafts, cooking, games, trips to the theatre and theme parks, as well as music workshops, which give them the opportunity to enjoy some down-time with peers.

The opportunity to meet and befriend other young people in the same situation is particularly important, as it reduces their sense of isolation.

Hannah Currington, young carers development worker at the project, said: “The world of a young carer can sometimes feel very small and living in a rural setting can sometimes act as a barrier.

“We don’t want our young people to feel left out of fun childhood experiences. With this funding from BBC Children in Need we will be able to provide activities that enrich their lives, showing them that there is so much more to life that they can enjoy and be part of.”

BBC Children in Need chief executive, David Ramsden, said: “Put simply, these grants are made possible by our amazing supporters. Thank you, everybody should feel incredibly proud of the difference they are making to young lives.”

For more information about VASL, visit vasl.org.uk.