Carers' support team up for prize

OLDHAM Pride nomination . . . from left, Eric Osazee, volunteer co-ordinator, Clare Boyle, young carer support worker, Martin Sutton, project manager

A TEAM providing much-needed support and fun activities for Oldham's young carers has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Oldham Young Carers provide support and respite for young people who have an additional role as a carer for someone at home who is unwell, disabled or has a mental health issue.

The team, made up of project manager Martin Sutton, volunteer co-ordinator Eric Osazee, and young carer support workers Clare Boyle and Katy Peet, engage with around 56 young people a week in Oldham, ensuring they have the support they need to cope with their additional responsibilities as well as fun activities to give them a chance to relax and make new friends.

Young carer support worker Clare Boyle said: "It feels amazing to have been nominated and we are very pleased for the service and the volunteers.

"We work really hard to provide respite and support for young carers in Oldham and we are lucky that we get to work with such a lovely group of young people.

"They are so supportive of each other all the time."

The team, based at Medtia Place in Union Street, provide one-to-one support for young carers, group sessions and organise a variety of events ranging from bowling or laser quest activities to theme park trips and residential days out. In total they have have more than 350 young carers on their books but say they are always eager to engage with more.

Clare continued: "We try to make events educational as well as fun so the young people can improve their skills at the same time.

"It is so rewarding to see the young people develop and gain confidence over the weeks and months."

The group were nominated by Gillian Fulcher after she experienced the impact it can have on young lives first hand through her daughter Lucy Lingard.

Lucy (16) has been part of the group for several years after becoming a carer for her mum, who has dyspraxia, which can affect her coordination and learning.

Gillian (46), from Royton, told the Chronicle: "Since she started attending the Young Carers Group, Lucy's confidence has grown and she has made a lot of new friends that she can speak to.

"She's been on countless trips and has a social life that she can enjoy without worrying about me.

"I am so grateful for all that they have done for us and I think they really deserve recognition."