Children and young people who care for sick or disabled family members will be able to take a break from their caring roles and join in fun summer activities thanks to a £1,000 donation from Cornwall’s Freemasons.

The money has been given to Kernow Young Carers which supports carers aged between four and 25. They have significant responsibilities for looking after parents or siblings, ranging from shopping and cleaning to personal care, which can mean they miss out on socialising with friends. Those responsibilities can also impact on their own mental health and education.

The service provides them with advice, guidance and a listening ear, alongside social activities where they can meet other young carers. During the past year they’ve been able to take part in horse riding, forest schools’ activities, art and craft workshops and football golf.  There have also been residential breaks with arts and crafts and outdoor activities.

Kernow Young Carers is run by Barnardo’s as part of the Cornwall Carers’ Service, delivered in partnership with Cornwall Rural Charity, Disability Cornwall, Promas and Age UK Cornwall.

Nigel Cox, Barnardo’s Children’s Services Manager, said: “We are very grateful to the Cornwall Masonic Charitable Foundation for the gift of £1,000.  We hope to use the money to offer whole families with a young carer the opportunity to access outdoor theatre experiences over the summer months. The donation will enable young carers to have a much-needed break from their caring role and do something completely different.”

The cheque was presented at King Arthur’s Great Hall in Tintagel by Roger Cargeeg, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and Ivan Barrett, Worshipful Master of Saint Andrews Lodge. The Cornwall Masonic Charitable Foundation meets every year to distribute funds to community groups and organisations supported by Lodges across Cornwall.

Mike Pritchard, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, said: “We were really pleased that Ivan Barrett of Saint Andrews Lodge, based in Tywardreath, invited Barnardo’s to receive a donation.  As a carer, looking after his disabled mother, Ivan has an affinity with organisations that provide support and was delighted to be able to make the donation.

“The CMCF annual Charity Giving event is an inspiring day when we are able to welcome and showcase charities such as Barnardo’s, together with other good causes and local lodges where donations are made to support these wonderful groups.”