Julian Ware-Lane 'drops in' on the young carers
Crossroads is a national charity with a scheme on Canvey
Island that covers all of Castle Point. It started in 1981 and employs around thirty staff, mostly on a part-time basis. It
exists primarily to relieve carers in their own home and provide respite care for carers.
Julian Ware-Lane paid a visit to Crossroads young carers'
drop-in centre at the invitation of Polly Bartram, General Manager at the Charfleets Farm Way scheme. This is organised for
Thursday evenings, with a time-out from caring activity organised on Mondays. The aim is to give these young carers "their
childhood back" so that they can be a child again for the evening. Amongst the events being organised when Julian visited
was a pizza topping night.
Julian Ware-Lane said "these sorts of activities look terrific
fun – and tasty too. There is a serious side as well, as this teaches the young carers about good nutritional food."
The drop-in night also has a drama club, with the participants
working towards a LAMDA exam.
Polly Bartram said "we introduced the drama club to help
young carers gain confidence. It is an unfortunate fact of life that young carers are often bullied."
Carers can be anyone who is providing care to a family member
on an informal basis. A carer can be anyone from age 8 upwards, and can be disabled themselves. The young carers' project
deals with more than eighty kids.
Polly said "if you don't look after the carers and allow
them to maintain their own well-being you could end up with two people needing help", adding that "carers save tax-payers
millions".
"These youngsters are amazing" added Julian. ""Not only do
they have to fit in their schooling and play, but they have the additional burden of having to look-after an unwell adult
or sibling. You cannot help but admire them."
Castle Point Crossroads is the only remaining scheme in south
east Essex. Southend, Rochford, Basildon, Chelmsford and Thurrock have all closed within the last six years or so. Where a
scheme has gone, the carers have to go to the privates sector at great personal cost.
Carers save the economy £57 billion a year. There are six
million carers in the UK.
Crossroads can provide care support workers to relieve carers.
Crossroads care support workers are highly trained.
There is the perennial financial struggle. They are a charity
and fundraising is an important element, with £10000 being raised each year by events such as quiz nights, race nights, posh
teas, etc.
Crossroads is located at 9-11 Charfleets Farm Way, Canvey
Island, SS8 0PG. Their telephone number id 01268 511142.
