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.
