A group of South Lakes masons have donated five laptops for young carers in the area.
Mark Master Masons of the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland donated the computers to help the youngsters during the pandemic.
Trustees of the Provincial Mark Benevolent Fund in the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland having already donated 115 computer laptops to primary school children throughout Cumbria and recognised the young carers, aged between five and 24, who support someone in their own home, could often be overlooked.
Mike Seaton, chief executive of Carer Support South Lakes, and Holly Cragg, Young Carers Lead Support Worker, accepted the laptops from David Kellet and Ken Archer, senior members of the province representing Mark Master Masons.
Holly said: “This is such a practical and helpful piece of equipment to families in these times and it will make such a difference.
“Young carers continue to be isolated, even more so than most as they are often shielding due to the health conditions of family members, caring roles have increased and social time with peers is few and far between.
“These laptops will provide them with not only access to education which is so important for their studies and life goals/dreams but to social events which are being held online.
“We have been running social groups via Zoom and this has been well attended for young people to have some time out from their caring role and to have fun.
“This is vital for our Young Carers and these laptops will allow them to engage with these sessions as well as keep in touch with their own friends and family members.
“This will reduce isolation, encourage social development and meet educational needs. Our families will be so grateful to be thought of when unpaid carers are often forgotten in these busy and unprecedented times.
“I just want to start by thanking you for what is such a kind donation and gesture to our young carers.”
