Charities to receive funding boost

11:26am Monday 7th July 2008

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A CHARITY which supports young people forced to take up adult responsibilities is to receive a boost thanks to the Mayor of Hillingdon.

Hillingdon Young Carers and SSAFA Forces Help (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) were the two charities Councillor Brian Crowe chose to raise funds for.

The Young Carers' Project provides breaks for the children and young people aged five to 18 from their responsibilities.

The SSAFA Forces Help raise funds for current and former service men and women and their families.

Claire Thomas, chief executive of the Hillingdon Young Carers' Project, said: "There are at least 700 young children who are providing care for their families.

"Some cook, clean and look after their younger brothers and sisters and some look after their parents who are unable to care for themselves.

"Young carers may find it difficult to talk to other children their age about their problems, they might get bullied at school or they might come across health problems at an earlier age than they should.

"Our volunteers are their to give them a break, make sure they have fun and other them support.

"We are delighted to be chosen by the Mayor."

Cllr Crowe, said: "This is an opportunity for me to help raise the profile for these charities as well as raising fund for them.

"I will be organising a range of events for fundraising throughout the year at various locations for both charities."

Dr Michael Cline, Hillingdon division secretary for the SSAFA, said: "We would like to thank the Mayor for choosing our charity.

"Without our volunteers there would be no help for those in need.

"It is them who work hard to provide support for local people."