SMP backs young carers project

Large donation lifts fundraising bar

An Island corporate service provider has donated almost £7,500 to a charity which supports young Manx carers - and is planning more fundraising through the year.

SMP Partners chose Crossroads Care Young Carers Project as its 2016 charity of the year, raising its first donation through an auction and raffle at the firm's annual staff party in January.

Sponsored activities and dress-down days are among events planned, to help fund the charity's work supporting young carers and giving them a break from their responsibilities.

An estimated 1000 young people in the Island care for a family member suffering from physical or mental disabilities, mental health problems or substance abuse - the Young Carers project, in touch with around 100 of them, aims to reach many more. 

Mark Denton, managing director of SMP Partners said: ‘We all consider the Isle of Man to be an affluent community, and it is shocking to learn that hundreds of young people are required to miss out on their childhood to care for a family member. It is deeply distressing to hear about children as young as five being responsible for household chores and even giving medicine.

He added:  ‘I hope we are able to help Crossroads Care achieve these aims for the future of these young people, and that we can assist with both fundraising and raising awareness.’