Over the last few months we have seen the devastating impact of the cost of living on our young carers. We have noticed through our interactions that some are not bringing packed lunches as there is no food at home. Some are skipping meals as there just is not enough food at home. We have noticed a rapid increase in period and hygiene poverty. Now is the time to say enough is enough, these are children that live next door to you and me, that go to the same schools as our children, that just don't have the same opportunities as their peers because of their caring role.

The person they care for usually has an illness or disability that makes them vulnerable, having to choose between heating or eating. This shouldn't be happening in our country. We should be taking care of the most vulnerable people in our society and there are very few more vulnerable and unseen as the 12,000 young carers in Oxfordshire.

This wintertime, we are calling on the public to support our appeal to provide our young carers with a hamper this Christmas. We will be including a few luxuries, but also necessities to help our young carers push through a hugely challenging time for them and their families.

We are asking you to help up raise funds to ensure that no child goes without this winter. We are putting hampers together but we need your help.

A donation of £5 would go towards a mug and hot chocolate.

A donation £10 would fund a hot water bottle and fluffy socks to keep them warm this winter.

A donation of £15 towards toiletries, such as shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

A donation of £30 would pay for a young carer to get one of our hampers this Christmas.

Times are tight for everyone, but we are asking the Oxfordshire community to dig deep this winter, show you care and help us make a young carers Christmas special this year.