Santa has put in an early festive video call to some 99 child and young adult carers from across Suffolk.
The man in the red suit was asked if he could spare time to chat with some of the dozens of young carers who have been impacted by Covid 19 over recent months.
Suffolk Family Carers’ Young People Service has moved so much of its support work online during the pandemic, including cookery sessions, group chats and craft activities.
The service team has been so impressed by how well the county’s youngsters have dealt with the challenging year, that they wanted Santa to acknowledge them personally.
On Saturday 5th December, a total of 99 children and adults were able to join the call, by video, representing areas of the county including Ipswich, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft, Hadleigh and more.
“It was such a lovely experience for our young carers, particularly after such a difficult and often very isolating time,” said Jessica Searle, of the SFC Young People Service.
“The children had such broad smiles on their faces and were so happy at the fact that Santa was acknowledging what a vital role they play in their families.
“Some of the children currently have family members in hospital, or will have a very limited Christmas this year for various reasons, so this was such a treat.”
Each of the children will now also receive a special treat from Santa, as a further thank you for their important efforts throughout the months of Covid.
The young people’s service within SFC supports carers from the age of 5-24 years old and are the commissioned provider of young carer assessments in Suffolk.
The team work very closely with schools and colleges to help embed young carer provision into the school community.
They help in a variety of ways, from small group wellbeing sessions and peer support, respite activities to provide a break from their caring role or support to access social activities within their community or employment opportunities.
