Wearside MP says young carers deserve '˜childhood that all children deserve'

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, welcomed the launch of the Honeypot Campaign – For Children Who Care.

The children’s charity is leading a campaign to recognise the specific needs of children, aged between five and 12, who care for a family member.

At the launch MPs were encouraged to sign a pledge to recognise the challenges faced by young carers and to support organisations which support them.

Mrs Hodgson said: “We all know that it can be tough to look after a loved one at any stage of our lives, but this is even more so for children who through no fault of their own become the primary care giver to a family member.

“That is why it was wonderful to be invited along to speak at the Honeypot Campaign event in Parliament and show my support for the incredible work done by Simmi Woodwal and her team in providing respite to young carers so they can have the childhood that all children deserve.

“This campaign is helping to shine a light on the problems young carers face when it comes to respite care, and I hope that more people will be able to get involved and help support this campaign and move that one step closer to giving these vulnerable children the life chances they deserve.”

Simmi Woodwal, chief executive of the charity, said: “Young carers is a hidden problem in many communities and there are children as young as five who are spending more of their time caring for a parent or a sibling than playing or learning.”