Carers get a turn in spotlight

OLDHAM Young Carers, with workers Lindsey Parker (front left) and Mandie Whymark (front right), celebrating their Pride in Oldham nomination

YOUNGSTERS who have become stars of the stage and are also carers for their relatives have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre Education and Outreach Development put forward Oldham Young Carers, who have recently put on two hard-hitting performances at the theatre.

One was a comedy sketch show, based on “Harry Hill’s TV Burp”, produced by the youngsters who are all under 19 and all look after a relative who has a disability, illness or other health problems.

Carly Henderson, outreach officer, said the reasons for the nomination was the young peoples’ role goes above and beyond that expected of any other young person.

She said: “With great support from the key workers, the young people showed fantastic dedication and commitment throughout and achieved a Bronze Arts Award as part of the project.

“They have far exceeded expectations. They are a really fantastic group and I feel very privileged to have worked with them.”

Mandie Whymark, key worker for Oldham Young Carers, based at Connexions, on Oldham’s Union Street, was left delighted at the award nomination.

She said: “We all so happy and appreciative. The young people should be very proud of themselves and the theatre has been amazing.

“They have enjoyed the productions and we are hoping to do similar projects in the future.”