Despite there being a day and night full of planned events in Newton Aycliffe on Saturday 30th November I went ahead with my gig at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club with the aim of raising funds to provide a Christmas Party at Joey’s Waffle House, St. Helens Auckland for Young Carers.
The last census in 2011 found there were 166,000 Young Carers in the UK aged between 5 and 17 years. Recent research highlights how great the need is to support these young people. Since 2011 it is estimated that the number of Young Carers in the UK has grown to almost 800,000. It is so important, with services stretched to their limits, that Young Carers are identified and supported. Frequently Young Carers are helping to care for other family members, parents, grandparents and siblings, due to illness, disability, physical or mental health difficulties or substance misuse.
Young Carers need to enjoy a break from their caring responsibilities, socialising with their peers, ensuring they are happy, healthy, safe, aspiring and achieving.
With help from my mum (Belinda), local schools, staff and portage workers based at the EDC Spennymoor, we approached local families and Mum and I planned the Christmas Party.
Kirsty, Steph and the staff from Joeys Waffle House were awesome, kind, caring and very generous with the much appreciated time and donations. The children had a fun afternoon with singing from myself and young ones from “Shanaya’s Summer School”, party games and an awful lot of delicious E numbers! Due to some horrible bugs invading our space presently there were nine children who sadly could not attend, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and apologise to those of you who are not in the photograph.
My journey since X Factor continues to present some amazing opportunities, and I am always learning. Having raised just over £5,000 for a variety of charities in the last two years I truly have come about some heartbreaking realisations. With the help and guidance from my amazing mum, I am aiming for the £10,000 mark.
May I take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has supported me, including the Newton News, in my quest to make the world a better, happier, safer, brighter, more fun loving, music filled place.
“So here it is Merry Christmas”, in this season of goodwill spare a thought for those who may not be “having fun”. Remember a smile and a listening ear can mean so much.
Seasons Greetings, Shanaya
