Local young carers all set for special Christmas treat

Thanks to Steve Baker from YMCA Young Carers for details of this special treat for the Island’s young carers. Ed


Christmas is coming early for young carers on the Island. On Saturday 15 December the Isle of Wight TVR Car Club and Sporting Bears Car Club, have arranged to give 45 local young carers ‘Dream Drives’ before they celebrate Christmas lunch at the YMCA in Shanklin.

Steve Baker who runs the Island’s YMCA Young Carers group said, “We are thrilled that the Isle of Wight TVR Car Club and Friends, will be giving young carers the opportunity to experience a drive in some of the most prestigious and interesting cars in the world, it’s a really special Christmas gift. Special thanks must be given to Wightlink ferries, who have kindly donated free crossings for the cars travelling from the mainland.”

What to expect
Cars including TVRs, an Aston Martin DB9 and a restored Ford Consul will be used to give young carers a 20 minutes ride around the local area.

They will return to the YMCA to join 70 children and their families for a festive Christmas lunch, which includes entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas.

What are young carers?
Young Carers are children and young people between 5 and 18, who care for a parent or sibling who have either a physical, medical, psychological illness or a combination of all three.

This caring role can affect their health, education or both. The YMCA Young Carers Service provides support for the Young Carers by arranging respite activities for them away from their caring responsibility so they can have fun.