Cash boost for Hartlepool's youngest carers thanks to building group

A scene from last year showing Hartlepool Carers 25th anniversary celebrations with chief executive Christine Fewster.

Hartlepool Carers, based in Lowthian Road, Hartlepool, has been awarded £1,000 from Persimmon Homes’ Building Futures campaign which supports under-18s.

The house builders said the money would help children to take a break from their roles as carers.

And there could be more good news as a bigger £100,000 boost will go to the three causes which get the most backing in a national vote later this year.

The carers group officially helps 210 children aged from five to 17 but estimates there are around 2,000 such young carers within the town who are unsupported.

It offers children peer-to-peer support and the chance to enjoy respite from their responsibilities by taking part in crafts and sports activities. The donation from Persimmon will be put towards the running costs of the sessions.

Joan Peart, sales director for Persimmon Homes Teesside, said: “It is vital that these young people are given support and offered the opportunity to take a break from their responsibilities as carers.

“We are pleased we are able to make this donation and help fund the sessions which make a difference to the young people and their families.”

In all, 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in October.

In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Joan added: “We are looking for groups, charities and individuals to come forward with their amazing ideas on how to spend the big cash prizes. We will consider anything from new clubhouses and kit, to education and arts centres, medical research and support groups.”

To find out more about or to apply Building Futures, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/

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