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A Hartlepool group which represents thousands of people has been honoured by royalty.

Hartlepool Carers was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in a ceremony at the Sir William Gray suite at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.

Chief executive Christine Fewster-Smith said: “I didn’t believe it when we first found out. It is such a prestigious honour.

"It is the most prestigious one you could get. We are thrilled that what we are doing for the people of the town has been recognised.”

A day to remember for everyone at Hartlepool Carers.

The award reflects the huge difference that the group has made in the 28 years since it first formed. It represents 4,000 adult carers, thousands of children, and has 42 volunteers.

But thousands more unpaid carers are thought to be doing vital work in Hartlepool.

"We know that we probably only represent 40 per cent of the people who are doing care work in Hartlepool,” said Christine.

"We believe that there are at least 10,000 carers in Hartlepool and that number may even have gone up because of the pandemic.”

Hartlepool Carers are presented with the Queens Award for Voluntary Services from Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon. The award was presented to CEO Christine Fewster-Smith and Trustee Dr Angela Brown, left.

The group offers information, advice and guidance. It also assesses local authorities to make sure carers get the right support.

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Earlier in the summer, it launched a three-year project to find the hidden army and provide them with the support they deserve.

But the carers support goes even further.

Hartlepool Carers with the Queens Award for Voluntary Services, presented by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon.

It has stepped in with numerous projects since Covid-19 first hit in the UK.

They have included free boxes of food which only registered carers could apply for,

The Talking Tuesdays project, meanwhile, helps people with advice on how to keep safe, making the most of your finances and cancer awareness.

The Carers Tech Service loaned laptops and tablets to people so they could keep in touch with friends and family.

The presentation of the Queens Award for Voluntary Services from Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon to Trustee Dr Angela Brown, of Hartlepool Carers.

The Spread A Little Sunshine scheme saw packs containing a herb garden and sunflowers, art and craft materials, sensory materials, games such as playing cards and dominoes, help with baking, and nail and foot care all going to care homes.

To find out more about the current support available from Hartlepool Carers, visit https://www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk/ or call (01429) 283095.

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