iCandy Design is raising money for Andover Young Carers

The iCandy Design team will take part in a cycle-at-work event. Using a workout bike in the office to cycle 500 miles over 5 days from the 21st to the 25th of September, raising £1 for every mile cycled!

Andover Young Carers is a really special charity, making sure local children and young people with caring responsibilities have support and respite when they need it.

At iCandy Design, we feel a responsibility to support the community in which many of our clients and staff live, making it a better place for them and their families. Supporting Andover Young Carers means helping local children and young people who take on responsibilities that are often far beyond their years.

Andover Young Carers has been supporting young carers in Andover and the surrounding area since 2000. A young carer is someone under 18 who provides regular care or emotional support to a family member who may be physically or mentally ill, disabled, or experiencing problems with alcohol or substance misuse.

For many young carers, their responsibilities can lead to social isolation, stress, difficulties at school and, most importantly, the loss of opportunities to simply enjoy being a child. Andover Young Carers provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can take a break from their caring responsibilities, build friendships and have time to be themselves.

The charity provides a range of vital services, including:

- Young Carer Assessments and one-to-one support to ensure each young carer gets the support they need.

- After-school clubs and holiday activities, giving young carers the chance to relax, socialise and enjoy activities with other young people who understand their experiences.

- Support within local schools, including lunchtime drop-in sessions and working with schools to identify and support young carers as early as possible.

- Trips, activities and opportunities, helping young carers take a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities and experience things they may otherwise miss out on.

As a small local charity, Andover Young Carers relies on grants, donations and fundraising to continue providing these services. The charity provides its support free of charge, making the generosity of local businesses, organisations and individuals incredibly important.

Put simply, young carers deserve the chance to be young. With the right support, they can feel less isolated, build confidence, enjoy positive experiences and have someone in their corner when caring responsibilities become overwhelming.

Please join us in celebrating the fantastic work Andover Young Carers does for children and young people across our local community by making a donation and helping them continue this vital work for years to come.