A NEW club night for some special young people saw the presentation of a generous donation on its first night.

A cheque for £500 from Crediton Town Council was handed over by the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, to "Kids Who Care", the Young Carers' project in Mid Devon, who have started the club nights especially for young local carers.

The first night took place on Monday, February 8 at Crediton Youth Centre. On the programme was crafts, games and fun and friendship.

The night will be run monthly on a Monday evening by "Kids Who Care" project leader Rachel Hartland.

The next session will be on March 8 and if any young carers would like to attend, transport can be arranged for those who need it by contacting Rachel on 07535 411470.

Attendance at the club night and transport where required is free to young carers.

Cathy Kingham, "Kids Who Care" locality co-ordinator, said that there are 28 young carers from Crediton and the surrounding area who are currently registered with them.

She explained: "Until now, those who wanted to attend a club night had to travel to Tiverton as this was the nearest young carers' club.

"The young people often spent more time travelling to get to and from the club, than enjoying themselves once there."

After it was realised there was a need for a local club night, Cathy met Devon Youth Service's local area youth worker, Nick Mussell, to negotiate space.

Cathy continued: "We would like to thank Nick and Devon Youth Service and are very grateful to Crediton Town Council who have given the grant to Unite / Kids Who Care project to help towards financing the Crediton club night.

"Funding for the Club Night is also kindly being supported by Unite – Carers in Mid Devon, whilst we seek alternative sources."

Cathy added: "At club nights, young people have the opportunity to meet other young carers who understand the problems they have in keeping up with their education and social life outside their caring roles.

"They are able to talk confidentially to professionals about any issues which worry them, and they can gather information and signposting to other agencies who may be able to help.

"They can join in with many different activities including playing pool, Wii games, computer games, art and craft, cooking, listening to and creating music and much more. Healthy refreshments are provided."

Those who qualify are young people up to the age of 18, who care for, or give support to, someone usually in their family - parents, siblings, grandparents, aunt/uncle - on a long-term basis.

"Kids Who Care'" also offer monthly trips to places such as Crealy Park, go-karting, Laser Quest, snow tubing/tobogganing, the beach and rock pooling, movies, pottery, art and craft, pantomime, ice show. Residential weekends are offered at centres such as the Calvert Trust on Exmoor.

Mentors are available to young carers over 10 years of age. Mentors are trained volunteers who can take the young carer out to have some fun. They are carefully matched with the young carer who gets to choose what they would like to do and are supported in achieving this where possible.

Further information about club nights and trips is available from Rachel Hartland on 07535 411470.

If you would like to refer a young carer, contact Cathy Kingham on 07855 235550. Professionals, parents or young carers themselves can refer to Cathy for an assessment.

If you would like to speak to someone about the mentoring and befriending scheme, please contact Carole Bond on 07791 777337 or Lara Pope on 07773 446928.

If you also want to know what else is going on at the Youth Centre for other young people telephone Nick on 01363 776659.

Alan Quick