Sunderland young carers win £50,000 Big Lottery funding through People's Project

The Rainbows and Rollercoasters Project, run for young people at Sunderland Carers’ Centre, are thrilled to have clinched almost £50,000 of Big Lottery funding through winning the People’s Project.

The group, which provides support and activities for children and young people who look after a family member at home, beat strong competition through a vote on ITV to clinch the cash.

Graham Burt, Chief Executive Officer of Sunderland Carers’ Centre, said: “During our two week campaign we were absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of support the young carers and the centre received.

“We called on the people of Sunderland and beyond to make us their People’s Project and they certainly rallied to the call.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted and supported our campaign. It was an amazing two weeks and the funding will make such a huge difference to the lives of young carers.”

Rainbows and Rollercoasters was the only Sunderland project in the competition and as part of the campaign the centre was keen to involve as many people in the city as possible with staff and young carers visiting places such as schools, hospitals, GP practices and supermarkets as well as campaigning at some of the city’s famous landmarks.

They were also backed by MPs Julie Elliott and Sharon Hodgson, the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Barry and Carol Curran, and Sunderland AFC Former Players Association.