A PARISH council has raised more than £1,500 to support young carers in Swindon looking after loved ones.

The money raised by the team at Stratton Parish Council will be used by Swindon Carers Centre’s Young Carers Team to respond to this increasing need for support, providing equipment and activities to help young carers take time out to look after their own physical and mental health.

Coun Robert Jandy, Chairman of Stratton Parish Council, took early retirement last year, and instead of receiving a gift, he asked for a donation to support young carers.

“Sometimes people don’t realise what it’s like to be a carer, especially a young carer,” Cllr Robert said. “Many of the caring tasks young carers do, they do it for the love of their parents – and sometimes they don’t even realise that this is what they’re doing.”

Service delivery manager for SCC Debbie Murphy-Myers, said: “The commitment and passion shown by Stratton Parish Council has really been truly amazing.

“The Young Carer Team cannot thank them enough for their fundraising efforts, particularly as the past seven months has been a difficult time for everyone.

“The money fundraised will help hugely to support young carers, aged 5 – 18 years, and provide vital respite and time away from their caring responsibilities through a programme of both face-to-face and virtual activities.”