Challenging year prompts an inspirational act of kindness for young carer, Chloe

The past year has been very challenging for so many, especially the young people who access Spurgeons Young Carers services across Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

For these young people, attending Spurgeons’ young carers groups provides respite from the adult responsibilities of caring for a family member within the home.

Lockdowns have meant that this vital time away from the home could not be provided and despite the easing of restrictions throughout the year, the vulnerability of many of the family members of these young people has been a key priority for those working at the services.

Support has continued with a full schedule of virtual activities and contact being provided so that these young people can still connect with others in similar situations to themselves and enjoy a break over Zoom trying a new activity or learning a new skill.

Though, in the midst of a challenging year, one young carer and her family took it on themselves to raise money to buy selection boxes for underprivileged children and young people across Birmingham as well as purchase gifts for the young people accessing the Young Carers services in what can only be described as an inspirational act of kindness.

Chloe (who earlier last year appeared on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show to discuss her role caring for both her parents), and her family raised over £400 which was used to purchase 117 selection boxes to be gifted across the city as well as additional gifts for young carers.

This was an amazing achievement and act of generosity that provided something special to many families who had been through a difficult year.

We are truly inspired by Chloe and her family’s actions and would like to say a huge thank you to all involved.

About Spurgeons Young Carers Services:

Spurgeons delivers support to young people up to the age of 18 who are caring for a family member with an illness or disability in the West Midlands through our Birmingham Young Carers and Wolverhampton Young Carers services. 

The Birmingham Young Carers service was a finalist in two categories at the 2019 Children and Young People Now Awards in the PSHE Education Award and the Young Carers Award for its particular focus on supporting young carers looking after a parent with a drug or alcohol dependency. 

Learn more about our work with Young Carers