Warwickshire Young Carers Awarded Inclusive Communities Fund Grant to Expand Befriending Service

13 June 2024

Warwickshire Young Carers is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Inclusive Communities Fund to support the expansion of its Befriending Service for young carers.

Warwickshire Young Carers is thrilled to announce that it has secured funding from the Inclusive Communities Fund. This funding will be instrumental in expanding the Befriending Service, which provides essential support to young carers aged 6-25 across Warwickshire. The Befriending Service aims to reduce social isolation, improve mental health and well-being, and help young carers build meaningful relationships within their communities.

The grant will enable Warwickshire Young Carers to deliver a countywide befriending service, where young carers will meet regularly with sessional workers and peers to engage in activities such as park visits, library trips and other community outings. This programme is designed to help young carers form supportive relationships with peers and befrienders, providing a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities.

Latoyha Gabriel, CEO of Warwickshire Young Carers, emphasised the importance of this initiative: "This funding is a lifeline for many young carers who often feel isolated and overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Our Befriending Service will not only provide a break and support for these young individuals but also help them build lasting friendships and feel more connected to their communities."

"We are deeply grateful to the Inclusive Communities Fund for this support," said Latoyha Gabriel, CEO of Warwickshire Young Carers. "The expansion of our Befriending Service will have a profound impact on the lives of young carers, offering them a chance to enjoy their childhood and develop social connections that are vital for their mental and emotional well-being."

The Befriending Service is set to start on June 1, 2024, and will run through May 31, 2025. The programme will be available to young carers across Warwickshire, particularly targeting those in areas with high demand. Warwickshire Young Carers currently supports over 1,000 young individuals and this funding will help extend its reach and impact.

Warwickshire Young Carers invites community members and stakeholders to learn more about the Befriending Service and how they can support young carers in the region. For more information, visit our website or contact us directly.

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