The Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham is fundraising for Young Carers, a local charity in the borough. Young Carers are children between the ages of 8-18 who help look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled or has mental health problems, or is misusing drugs or alcohol. Their day to day responsibilities often include:
• cooking
• cleaning
• shopping
• providing nursing and personal care
• giving emotional support.

With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being ‘different’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. Recently the charity have identified that there are young carers younger than the age of 8 years old, this is the current age a young person can join the project and access support. All money fundraised by the Young Mayor in 2017 will go towards setting up provision for young carers under the age of 8 and will give them the opportunity and support they are currently lacking.

In August, Vaisaly, the Young Mayor alongside other young people in the borough will be canoeing for 50 miles in Wales, in order to raise money, and promote wellbeing within young people in the borough.
By donating and sponsoring the Young Mayor, we could, as a community raise enough money for additional educational and physical program for the Young Carers. Please share the word and sponsor the Young Mayor.