National Citizenship youngsters raise hundreds for South Tyneside charity

As part of their social action project for the National Citizen Service (NCS), a group of 15-17 year-olds raised the cash for the borough’s Young Carers group.

They organised events including a 10-mile sponsored walk from South Shields beach to Seaburn, a sponsored head shave and leg wax, a cake sale on the streets of Newcastle and a fun day at Bilton Hall, raising £752.25 to be used for a fun day out for children and young people, aged five to 24.

Karen Ahmed, Young Carers project manager, said: “It’s really encouraging to us that they thought our work for the young carers in South Tyneside stood out when they were choosing a charity to fund-raise for.

“Our aim has always been to raise awareness and the profile of young carers, highlighting the difficulties they can face, and most importantly create a network that provides support for them and their families.

“This donation not only shows that we are succeeding in raising the profile of young carers but it is also going to make some of our young people very happy. We plan to use the money to really spoil them with a day out as they often struggle to make time for themselves outside of their caring responsibilities.”

NCS team leader Cheria Raw said: “The group spent a lot of time researching a variety of fantastic charities.

“Young Carers stood out as the people in their service are the embodiment of what our programme is about. The group hopes the money will allow these young people to have a day where they don’t have to worry about anything other than having fun.”