Young carers treated to panto

Seventy-five young carers from all over West Sussex have enjoyed time out from their usual day-to-day responsibilities.

The County Council took the group to see Worthing pantomime ‘Aladdin’ for an afternoon of heroes, villains and comedy, followed by a feast of party food and Christmas craft workshops.

It’s a world away from their home lives, where the young people often live and care for someone with an illness, disability, or drug or alcohol problems.

Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Pete Bradbury, said: “It can be really tough for these young people to keep up with school work, while looking after a relative.

“They are to be admired for the help they give, but too often they have to grow up before their time, and take on an adult’s role.

“Children are children for such a short time. It’s our job to support them as much as we can.”

The pantomime day out is one of several events jointly organised each year by the youth service and the young carers team for the 8 to 16 year olds.

Activity days are held every half term and end of term holidays with camps during the summer holidays.

Street dance and circus skills are planned for February half term with three separate events for the north, south and west of the county.

There are also seven local young carers groups that meet on a regular basis in Crawley, Horsham, Burgess Hill, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Chichester.

For more information email youngcarers@westsussex.gov.uk or telephone them on 01903 236562.