The FJG Foundation has awarded £500 to Action for Family Carers, supporting their Young Carers Club in Chelmsford.
The donation recognises the vital work the charity does for unpaid carers across Essex and the difference the Club makes to the children who attend. It is one of the few places where young carers can step away from their responsibilities and enjoy time that truly feels like their own.
Action for Family Carers has supported carers across Essex for more than 35 years. Founded by carers, the organisation continues to provide information, guidance and respite for people looking after a family member or friend who could not manage without their help.
The Young Carers Club offers weekly sessions for children aged 8 to 16, including indoor and outdoor games, healthy-eating cookery and arts and crafts. Most importantly, it gives young carers the chance to relax, make friends and share time with others who understand the pressures they carry.
Across Essex, around 1 in 5 school children is a young carer. Many balance schoolwork, friendships and daily routines at home while supporting family members living with disability, illness, addiction or poor mental health. The Club offers a supportive space that can ease this strain and help children feel less alone.
Jo Hotten, Young Carers Service Manager, said:
“We want to say a huge thank you to Fisher Jones Greenwood for supporting our Chelmsford Young Carers Club. Young carers often miss out on opportunities other children take for granted. This funding will help us continue to run this Club so young carers can take a break, feel understood, and simply enjoy being children. Thanks to this support, our young carers can have fun, build friendships and feel less alone in their responsibilities.”
The FJG Foundation is proud to support organisations that bring practical help, emotional support and belonging to local families.
Learn more about the FJG Foundation and how organisations within the Essex and Tendring areas can apply for funding.