23 September 2024
New Forest Young Carers Recieves £17,000 Funding Boost
New Forest Young Carers has been awarded £17,000 by the Charles Burnett Memorial Fund to help tackle social isolation and loneliness in young carers.
The service, run by Community First, provides young carers with the support they need to live full and healthy lives. This includes activities, trips, one-to-one work and school support – a welcome respite from the stressful situations they often have to manage at home.
The grant will be given to New Forest Young Carers over a two-year period to run various group activities and workshops, including mindfulness and yoga, giving more vulnerable young people the support they need to develop resilience as well as the opportunity to socialise with others.
Some of the money will be allocated to the service’s main activity programme, funding youth clubs and activities during the school holidays.
Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “Young carers’ important role often prevents them from enjoying their childhood in the same way as other children.
“They want relief from the constant worry they feel about their parent or sibling – which is where our support can help. Thanks to the Charles Burnett Memorial Fund we will be able to provide more respite for more young people, so they can relax, have fun and feel less alone.”
The fund was set up by the family of the late Charles Burnett to support charitable projects across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
From Lymington, Charles was known locally as a generous philanthropist and the land-speed record holder for a steam-powered car.
The grant programme is administered by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).
Jacqui Scott, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, said: “The Charles Burnett Memorial Fund is a wonderful way to recognise Charles and his passion for communities in the New Forest. Creating connections within the communities we live is important for us all, but for many people in the New Forest, a sense of physical or social isolation can prevent them feeling the positive benefits of being part of their community.
“This year, 10 community groups received two year CBMF funding to help build happier, healthier lives for people in the New Forest, helping many more people and communities to flourish.”
Community First is a member of Hampshire Young Carers Alliance – a network of ten Young Carer projects/services across Hampshire.