Citizen magazine Summer 2024 - text version - Norwich Lord Mayor and Sheriff: supporting our heroic young carers

Norwich Lord Mayor and Sheriff: supporting our heroic young carers 

First elected in 2010, our Lord Mayor Cllr Thomas became involved in politics to make a difference to the lives of people in the city. And hailing from humble beginnings in Bangladesh, our Sheriff Sirajul Islam is an accountant, with his own practice based here in Norwich.

Every year our Lord Mayor and Sheriff choose a charity that we actively support as part of our corporate values and this year we are pleased to announce that the Lord Mayor and Sheriff have chosen to support The Benjamin Foundation’s BOOM! Young Carers as their civic charity for 2024-25.

BOOM! Young Carers service is part of the Benjamin Foundation and provides a supporting arm to those young people who are working as carers for family members.

According to the last Norfolk census (2022-23), there are over 6,000 young people under the age of 18 with caring responsibilities for a family member. The 2023 Young Carers Survey found that one in three young carers struggle to balance caring with education which can limit opportunities for them to learn, earn and have a fulfilling life.

Cllr Vivien Thomas said: “We are delighted to choose BOOM! Young Carers as our civic charity for this year. There are many young people in Norwich and across Norfolk who sacrifice a lot for their responsibilities and struggle to find their independence and make friends.

“We want to support the good work that Boom Young Carers do for these heroic young people and give them the support they need and opportunities to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.”

Boom! Young Carers provides young carers with opportunities to take a break from the day-to- day demands of being a carer with fun activities. They also provide help and advice on the challenges that affect them and their families. They aim to bring hope, provide opportunities, and build stability in their journey towards independence. 

BOOM! operates at the following drop-in centres:

• Lakenham 8-16 year olds, Wednesday 6:30pm to 8pm
• Marlpit 5-18 year olds, Wednesday 4:45pm to 6:15pm
• North Walsham 8-18 year olds, every weekday 4:45pm to 6:15pm
• Pilling Park 5-18 year olds, Thursday 6:30pm to 8pm
• Taverham 8-17 year olds, Tuesday 6:30pm to 8pm
• Watton 5-18 year olds, Friday 5pm to 6:30 pm and 6:45pm to 8:15 pm
• Young Adults 16-21 in Norwich, Monthly.

For more information and to get in touch: boom@BenjaminFoundation.co.uk, www.BenjaminFoundation.co.uk