The Stonehaven and Community District Council organise a fundraising event every New Year Day - The Nippy Dip held in the old harbour. This year we have chosen to support the Mackie Academy Young Carer Group.

The Mackie Young Carer Group is made up of pupils of all ages who have significant extra caring responsibilities at home. This can put additional stress on their mental, emotional and physical health. This group provides support and advice for young people in school and organises social events and respite activities to give them some time away from their additional duties.

Typical respite activities are bake offs, games afternoons, discos and regular meetings after school to have a chat and a chance to relax. To date, this has been very successful for the pupils themselves and they have even been consulted on National Young Carers and Local Authority policy.

Earlier this year the Young Carer Group was fortunate enough to be able to go on an Outward Bound weekend trip to Loch Eil. This respite break allowed the young people to form deep friendships and has boosted their self confidence which is clear to all who see them in school.

We would love to raise funds for this brave group of young people to continue to have access to respite, support and the ability to challenge themselves and embrace new experiences, enriching their lives.