HUNDREDS of young lives have been turned around after Solihull Carers Centre receive a much-needed cash boost.
Carers Trust has awarded the centre £40,000 to set up a project to help young carers aged between 14 and 25 with education and employment opportunities.
Speaking to The Observer, project leader Sally Barton-Bodley said: “The NEET project has been set up to raise aspirations and open doors for the young adults.
“The project is necessary for young carers who often forget they are entitled to a life of their own because caring for their loved one becomes the most important thing.
“Without the funding we would have very limited services and now we can build on the work we started last year.”
So far, the centre has helped young carers with college applications, CV writing workshops and team-building residential trips.
The funding has helped the centre support more young adults through one-to-one sessions to discuss health issues, housing schemes and financial help.
Sally, who spearheaded the project, said the funding will also contribute towards transport costs to and from the centre for carers who wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise.
More than 400 carers are registered with the centre and rely on the ongoing help and support.
Jenny, a young carer who has using the services for over a year, said: “Before attending the centre, I had not even considered my plans for the future.
“But things have changed significantly since I’ve started coming the centre with my sister.
“It has made me realise I want to work with children and I now have the tools to pursue a career as a midwife.”
