Guildford Spike WI Presents The Mayor With A Donation For Young Carers Fund

Published on: 15 Aug, 2018
Updated on: 17 Aug, 2018

Guildford Spike Women’s Institute has presented the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, with a cheque for £268 for the Guildford Young Carers Fund.

Guildford Spike WI president Sallie Barker (left) and treasurer Claire Chitty, present the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, with a cheque for £268 for the Guildford Young Carers fund.

It is the main good cause the mayor is supporting during his term in office. Guildford Borough Council has agreed add to the funds raised, taking the total to £402.

Guildford Spike WI president Sallie Barker and treasurer Claire Chitty presented the cheque to the mayor when he was a guest at the August meeting of the group.

Sallie said: “We are delighted to be able to help support the excellent work the fund is doing for the young carers in our area, providing practical aid and support to young people who are working so hard for others.”

The donation was raised through the Guildford Spike WI EqaliTea event in June, which was supported by the mayor and held at the Guildhall.

The panel at Guildford Spike WI’s EquliTea event at the Guildhall in June.

EqualiTeas are part of a programme of events from UK Parliament to mark 2018’s important milestones for democracy. They give people across the UK the chance to share, debate, and celebrate what equality means to them, over a cup of tea.

The Guildford Spike WI EqualiTea brought together influential women from local business, charitable and political communities, students from the University of Surrey, Surrey Federation WI groups and guests, to debate democracy, equality and diversity, with the aim of inspiring women to take up leadership positions.

The Guildford Young Carers Fund addresses an area of society that is overlooked. Estimates suggest that as many as 8% of children aged five to 18 in many areas of Guildford act as carers – and their efforts are frequently unrecognised and hidden from society.

The effects on these children of being a carer are huge. Some fail to realise their academic potential, and they often suffer mental health issues, bullying and social media abuse.

The Guildford Young Carers Fund has been created for young people who find their normal young lives being replaced by caring for a relative within the family unit.

These responsibilities often cause negative outcomes, such as falling behind at school, or simply a loss of precious childhood time. These children and young people are often unable to access help and many do not even realise that they are acting as carers.

The fund supports the following costs for young people: additional non-statutory support in school or college, extra tuition or educational support outside school or college, IT or other equipment to support educational needs, school trips, outings or residential activities, music, sports or play activities or other clubs outside school and opportunities to meet other young carers.

Further additional information visit the Guildford Young Carers Fund web page.

Guildford Spike WI meets at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month at the Spike Heritage Centre, Warren Road, Guildford, GU1 3JH