Upton Warren pub supports child carers campaign (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Upton Warren pub supports child carers campaign

11:40am Sunday 13th January 2013 in Local

AN Upton Warren pub is encouraging Bromsgrove and Droitwich residents to support a new campaign helping child carers.

Carers, including some as young as five, have ended up being responsible for their parents so the Honeypot charity was set up.

More than half of young carers live in one-parent families, while a third care for someone with mental health problems.

The charity provides short breaks for the young carers, giving them time away from the stresses of home life and the chance to enjoy their childhood in a safe environment.

The Pyjama Project is running alongside National Storytelling Week, being held between January 26-February 2.

People are encouraged to donate pyjamas and bedtime books during the week.

The Swan Inn, in Worcester Road, is backing the scheme and people are asked to donate these items to the pub, so they can be passed on to the charity.

Amy Garrett, from the Swan Inn, said: “A bedtime read is one of the most magical times during childhood but with 13,000 child carers caring for more than 50 hours a week each, these are children who all too often miss out.

“The Pyjama Project has been launched so that when the kids come to Honeypot they’ll be given a bedtime pack with a pair of new pyjamas, a bedtime book and a cuddly toy which they can also take home with them.”

Pyjamas donated can be for boys or girls, aged between five and 12-years-old, while books need to be in a good condition.

Donations should be handed in before February 2.

Staff at the Swan Inn are also planning to hold pyjama parties during the week, to raise extra cash for the charity.

For more on the charity visit honeypot.org.uk.