Thank you Norfolk Freemasons

Thank you to Norfolk Freemasons for their amazing support for local young carers.

More than 40 children and young people from Norfolk who are carers for sick and disabled family members will be given a break from their responsibilities and talk to people about their health and wellbeing, thanks to a grant of £15,000 from Norfolk Freemasons to our BOOM! Young Carers Service.

The young carers from Watton, Lakenham, Taverham and North Walsham will get the chance to escape their day-to-day pressures in a fun, friendly and supportive environment, which offers the opportunity to learn new skills and talk to an understanding and listening ear about their lives.

Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who help look after, or provide emotional support to someone who has an illness, a disability or is affected by mental ill-health or substance misuse. They might help with practical tasks at home, such as cooking, shopping and housework, help to look after siblings, as well as providing personal care and emotional support.

Children who care for a family member often find they have little time for a social life and have their education disrupted by their responsibilities, which can have a severe impact on their future employability.

There are an estimated 5,000 – 7,000 young carers in Norfolk between the ages of eight and 18 years, with around 178,000 across England and Wales, almost one in five schoolchildren.

The grant from Norfolk Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Alice Stevenson, Young Carers Development Manager from The Benjamin Foundation said:

“We’re very grateful to Norfolk Freemasons for their generous grant to fund trips in support of local young carers. These help carers to connect, make friends and have a break from the role they play at home. It’ll also offer them the chance to talk to our staff to help identify whether additional help or emotional support is needed”

Chairman of Norfolk Freemasons Charitable Fund, Michael Spalding said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help The Benjamin Foundation with their hugely important work supporting children and young people who care for family members. This will all too often harm their chances of a decent education and social life, as well their emotional wellbeing. It’s great that this often invisible group is getting the help they need and deserve.”