Rotarians in Dingwall show they care
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A CHARITY in Dingwall has been helping to lift the lockdown blues for a group of young carers over the last 18 months by providing a number of awards of much-needed funds.
During the October holidays Dingwall Rotary Club paid for young carers in Ross-shire to go on a number of fun-filled short breaks, as well as paying for all the transport costs.
The Rotarians made sure the carers were able to attend activities in Inverness such as bowling and trampolining and also provided fully funded days out to try out pottery design and mountain biking.
Barbara Brown, young carers development worker at Connecting Young Carers in the town, said: "Days out with no responsibilities and time to meet other young carers are so important. Having the support of Dingwall Rotary Club enabled us to offer more and therefore reach more children to give them the break they deserve.
“The donations from Dingwall Rotary have made a huge difference to our small team, what we can offer and the reach of our support. Thank you to the club for their ongoing support and commitment to remain involved with our work."
The rotary club stepped in as usual fundraising activities were cancelled thanks to Covid in 2020 and funding was provided to reach those in and around the Dingwall area who were in the greatest need.
As schools reopened with preventative measures such as opening windows in all weathers, the rotary funded the purchase of additional school jumpers or hoodies.
A spokesman from Dingwall Rotary Club said: “We had begun exploring ways to support young carers prior to Covid having been impressed by the strength, selflessness and responsibility towards others being shown by these youngsters. Covid meant a rethink and we are delighted to have been able to provide financial support during that time and look forward to continuing to provide help as normality returns.”
Young carers are children and young people who help care for and support a family member who either has a physical disability, learning disability, is experiencing mental ill health, has issues with substance misuse or another long-term health condition.
Most often young carers help to care for a parent, a brother or sister or another loved one who lives with them. Many young carers may find they have less time to take part in activities or access to opportunities such as this due to the responsibilities they have.
