YOUNG carers across the district have been given cash help to support them with education, employment and training.

Charity Carers’ Resource has awarded the funding after receiving £4,000 from the Carers Trust Quilter Aspirations Fund.

The £200 grants – aimed at addressing barriers faced by young carers – could be spent on IT or other equipment for college, driving lessons, training courses, life coaching or subject tuition.

Among the recipients was Keighley teenager Gabby Hands.

“I am going to put my grant money towards college equipment such as stationery and software that I will need for my course,” says Gabby, 16.

“The grant will allow me to work easily from home and in college without having to stress about the expense of the equipment.”

Another to benefit was Josh Deacon, 17. He said: “It has benefited me because we aren’t the richest family and it has supported me to do my work using the laptop the fund has helped to buy.”

Helen Prince, head of development for young carers and families at Carers’ Resource, said: “Young carers have a lot of extra responsibilities and often face challenges in finding the time and funds for their education and training.

“These grants can make a huge difference to young carers and enable them to better reach their potential.”

Carers Trust and the Quilter Foundation have collaborated since 2018, focusing on helping young carers overcome obstacles as they transition into adulthood.

For more information about the fund, visit carers.org/young-carers-action-day-2021/quilter-supporting-young-carers-to-achieve-their-aspirations.