Young Hartlepool carer - aged only six - says a big thank you for a very special donation

Emmie Morrill is a very loving girl who just loves to help others.

The St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School pupil has been a young carer since she was four and helps her big sister.

She is also a very loving and caring person for her mum Jenni Morrill, 37.

“If I am stressed for whatever reason, she knows and she will do something to make things better,” said Jenni, who works as an information advice and guidance worker for Hartlepool Carers.

“She is funny and she is a very helpful person.”

Emmie is one of the youngsters who has received one of eighty packs – filled with goodies such as yoga sheets, easy recipes and games for the garden – from Hartlepool Carers.

Emmie said: “It was really, really good and it makes me happy. It was a great present.”

All this comes just days after officials told Hartlepool’s army of more than 12,000 carers that they were not alone during the coronavirus lockdown.

Chief executive Christine Fewster said: “We have 80 packs getting distributed to families and even more in the coming weeks.”

The group has also called on more people to help with funding for the project to get packs out to even more people.

Christine added: “We have managed to raise over £2,000 to purchase resources for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities and young carers throughout Covid-19.

“We are aware the challenges families face, and want to promote positive relationships within families and to support around any additional needs.”

The packs also include;

- Arts and crafts.

- Skipping ropes.

- Sensory balls.

- Bubbles.

- Play Dough.

- Sunflower potting/measuring chart and design your own sunflower competition.

- A time capsule activity.

- Colourings and crosswords.

- Easy cooking recipes .

- Mindfulness and yoga session sheets.

- How to make your own sensory bottle.

- Salt dough recipes and tasks.

- Dominos and cards.

- Garden games (badminton, diablo, ribbons, a golf set, water pistols, footballs).

- Easter Eggs.

Chief executive Christine Fewster said: “We want people to know they are not alone. We are here for anyone who is providing unpaid care for loved ones.”

Emmie’s mum Jenni added: “Emmie loved the pack and it kept her busy.”

She also told of the impact that the coronavirus lockdown has had.

“We have had a massive increase in registration since all this has happened. We thought the numbers might drop off but it is the opposite. People are hearing about what we are doing.”

Hartlepool Carers also launched its ‘Care for a Cuppa’ session which is a virtual weekly get together every Wednesday at 10am, available by visiting the Hartlepool Carers Facebook page.

There is also a service offering advice over the phone and the Carers has a buddy system.

If anyone can help in extending the Hartlepool Carers offer of special packs, they can get in touch on (01429) 283095.

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