Young carers – some of whom have never been to the seaside – are being treated to a trip away thanks to Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.
The charity has teamed up with the School Nursing Team and Walsall Council to work with Deena Sobeih from the UPS parcel delivery firm to give young carers a break.
Around 30 young carers, who are supported by School Nurses, will be given the chance to go on a day trip to the seaside this summer.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Well Wishers has been able to support young carers by providing gifts and toys at Christmas.
“The charity appreciates that their caring responsibilities mean they often miss out on so many opportunities to just be with their friends. We have heard some really sad stories about young people never riding a bike, never going to the seaside and not having the chance to just switch off and enjoy being a child.
“When Deena got in touch earlier this year to donate easter eggs to our young patients she asked if there was anything else that could be done to support them – something I’d been thinking over too. And we came up with the idea of organising a daytrip. Deena, who is one of the Fundraising Champions at UPS, was on board straight away and has already been organising fundraising events for this.”
A JustGiving page has now been set up for local supporters here: https://bit.ly/3QTY6kV
Deena said: “That conversation with Georgie really set me thinking about young carers and how deserving they are of a break from their important, yet sometimes difficult, role.
“The idea of a trip away is a smashing one and we’ve really taken it on board here at UPS. We’re so pleased to be working with Well Wishers and others to make a difference – even only for a short time – to these young people.”
After a fundraising Snowdon climb last month, the total now stands at £605 of the £1,500 target that Deena has set.
She added: “We all lead very busy lives both personally and professionally but taking time out to support fantastic events like this is so rewarding and we look forward to knowing we helped put smiles on the children’s faces – if only for a day.”
Amanda Street, Clinical Team Leader School Nursing at Walsall Healthcare, said the chance to go on a seaside trip would be a real boost for young carers.
“Unless you’ve had caring responsibilities it’s hard to imagine how much of an impact that has upon your daily life. And for young carers trying to juggle school commitments and forge friendships at an important period in their own lives it’s even more of a challenge,” she said.
“I’m proud to be part of this fundraising appeal and thank Deena and her UPS colleagues, as well as Well Wishers, for supporting something so worthwhile.”
Councillor Stacie Elson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Walsall Council, said: “Young carers sacrifice so much of their own childhoods to care for their loved ones. It’s great that this group of young people get the opportunities to go on trips, see different places, meet like-minded young carers and enjoy a fun break. Thank you to Well Wishers and Deena for showing their continued support for Walsall’s young carers.”