Young Carers Initiative Receives Donation

The Western Isles Island Games Association Men’s and Women’s football teams have come together to donate £330 to Pointers Youth Centre’s Young Carers Program.

Pointers Youth Centre have senior Carers groups in Lewis and Harris for Secondary aged young people. They also run a junior young carers group which meets monthly for young carers in Lewis and Harris in Primary 4 to 7. 

At these groups, young Carers come together to relax away from the stresses and strains of their caring responsibilities.  The young people have a fun activity to do, some chill out time and a healthy meal.

WIIGA Men’s team manager and Comhairle Active Schools Co-ordinator Eric ‘Strada’ Macleod said,

 “Euan Macleod (women's manager), and I had a conversation around both WIIGA squads donating towards a local charity as part of the Children in Need initiative. 

We are very aware of the amazing work that Young Carers in the Western Isles do through our work with them and our conversations with both Pointers and the Young Carers themselves. Both teams were more than happy to donate and were fully behind our recommendation to donate towards the Young Carers.

The players from both squads then made a personal donation at their respective training sessions and that's how we raised the total amount.”

A Pointers Spokesperson said,

“Young carers have had an especially tough time of it this year. Without being able to go to school, some young carers haven’t had the usual daily break from their caring roles and some of them have seen a significant increase in their caring responsibilities.

“Thanks, must also go to WIIGA and all other local individuals and businesses who have supported Pointers and the young carers throughout the year.  It is very much appreciated.”

Pointers Youth Centre is a purpose designed youth café which opened in its current location in 2000.  It is ideally situated and is open to all young people.  Holding various groups and drop-in sessions, it is also used by different organizations and community groups.

For any information about Pointers Young Carers, or to find out about any of the other groups we have, please contact us on pointers@cne-siar.gov.uk