Steve Brine drops into Winchester Young Carers Project to hear latest work and future plans.
Prospective Winchester MP, Steve Brine paid a visit to WYCP today (Friday 24 October 2008).
The lunchtime briefingĀ - titled 'Supporting young carers through schools: The Winchester Experience' - was aimed at local decision makers and managers of support for young people. It was followed by a buffet lunch and the 2008 AGM.
For the past three years, WYCP has been pioneering support for young carers through schools. The event, held at The Winchester Centre in St George's Street, explained the history and nature of the current support and how it might develop in the future.
The former Deputy Head of The Westgate School spoke about the work his old school is doing with the porject.
Steve Brine said afterwards; "This is one of my favourite charities in Winchester. They do such good work and I was particualrly pleased to hear today about the work they do inside Henry Beaufort, Kings, PerrinsĀ and Westgate, both with pupils and staff.
"Properly trained teachers can really make a real difference when a teenager is needing help and is maybe too embarrassed to ask. The training WYCP offers them allows support to kick in much quicker because they are able to spot the tell-tale signs easier.
"While they are well supported at the moment by local councils and generous donations, I was also alarmed to hear of the concern among the team for the 2009/10 year. I will be only to happy to help apply pressure if it is needed because we have to expand WYCP as much as we protect what's there already."