Swaffham and Watton Rotary Clubs support Young Carers

At a recent meeting of Swaffham Rotary Club, also attended by members of Watton Rotary Club, a joint donation from the two clubs of £1,000 was made to Norfolk-based charity The Benjamin Foundation. The donation was made to assist the charity in its support of Young Carers in Watton and Swaffham.

Both Rotary Clubs were surprised to learn just how many young carers there are in Norfolk, missing out on opportunities to socialise with other young people because of the need to look after family members. Being a carer can affect their health and self confidence, they can struggle with balancing education with their caring, and many are bullied at school. 

The Benjamin Foundation supports young people in Norfolk and Suffolk in a variety of ways, but our donation was prompted by the BOOM! Young Carers initiative. This service helps young carers to tackle some of the unique  challenges and limited opportunities they face when helping to care for a family member.

BOOM! offers them chances to take a break from the day to day demands of being a young carer in a fun and friendly environment, as well as make new friends and learn new skills.Staff are also on hand to provide help and advice on deeper challenges affecting either them or their families. Giving them the chance to talk to an understanding and listening ear about their lives is an important part of the BOOM! young carers service.

During the meeting Charles Howard-Vyse, President of Swaffham Rotary Club (right), and Francis Ulrych, President of Watton Rotary Club (left) were delighted to make the presentation of £1,000 to Alice Stevenson, Young Carers Development Manager at The Benjamin Foundation.

Photograph by Steve Ward