Alliance Homes’ Young Carers Support Service and one of its young carers have been honoured at the Reset WSM’s Youth Awards Ceremony, winning the titles of Children’s Support Champions and Caring Champion, respectively.
This year's Youth Awards, held in July by Reset WSM, a Community Interest Company, celebrated the resilience and achievements of children and young people in our region.
Part of Alliance Homes’ wider Carers Support offer in North Somerset, the Young Carers Support Service helps more than 600 children and young people aged five to 18 years old with essential respite from caregiving duties, opportunities to socialise, and the chance to take part in recreational activities and trips. The service is funded by North Somerset Council, The Nani Huyu Charitable Trust and other local fundraising groups.
Alliance Homes’ Young Carers Coordinator, Jane Hingston, says:
"It’s a real honour for our service to be recognised. Caring responsibilities can lead to young people feeling isolated and missing out on opportunities. This award reflects the incredible contributions and sacrifices of all the young carers we support.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help these children and provide them with the essential respite they deserve. Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, and I’m grateful that our service has been recognised as part of the work they do.”
15-year-old Chelsea Cox, who has been with Alliance Homes’ Young Carers service since 2017, was also recognised at the Youth Awards with the Caring Champion title. Chelsea helps to look after her brother, who has autism, and her sister. She described winning the award as a complete surprise, adding:
“I couldn’t believe it when I won! I had a great experience at the event, celebrating with other young carers and the carers service.”
Alliance Homes’ Carers Service Manager, Laura Argrave, who nominated her for the award, says:
“Chelsea is a great role model - selfless, supportive, and incredibly strong and independent despite going through some tough challenges in her caring role. We’re over the moon to see her recognised as a Caring Champion.”
Chelsea’s mother, Casey Cox, adds:
“I couldn’t have been happier when I found out she’d been nominated and won. Children don’t often get the recognition they deserve; I couldn’t be prouder of Chelsea.”
Action for Children estimate that one in five children and young people in the UK are young carers. If you or someone you know is a young carer providing unpaid care or help for a loved one who is ill, elderly, disabled or struggling with addiction, support is available. Contact Alliance Homes at 03000 120 120 or visit www.alliancehomes.org.uk/carers for more information.