A CHRISTMAS fair is being held at the weekend to raise funds for young people in Torfaen providing care for a family member or close friend.
Torfaen Young Carers is hosting the event, including a craft market, at Cwmbran Stadium on Sunday December 8, between 11am and 4pm.
There is no direct funding for groups to provide respite for young carers in Torfaen, and with local authority budgets diminishing, there is concern for the effect on youngsters, many of whom are juggling school with their caring responsibilities.
Torfaen Young Carers meets once a week, to offer some much needed respite.
One of the fair organisers, Elizabeth Jenkins, said even this needed money however.
“There are children in Torfaen – some very young – who are taking on caring roles many adults would struggle to deal with,” she said.
“They are often exhausted and often spend a huge amount of time each day worrying about their loved ones health.
“Unlike many areas, young carers in Torfaen are unsupported. There is no official funding to help with respite. And the only help these young people get is taken out of already stretched budgets, or from money raised elsewhere.
“They deserve the same chances as other young people in Torfaen.”
More information can be found on the Facebook group Torfaen-Christmas-fayre-Proceeds-for-Torfaen-Young-carers
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