Pauline Latham OBE MP has welcomed the launch of the Honeypot Campaign – For Children Who Care. Honeypot, a children’s charity, is leading a campaign to recognise the specific needs of children aged between 5 and 12 who care for a family member.
At the campaign launch MPs were encouraged to sign a pledge to recognise the challenges faced by young carers and to support organisations, such as Honeypot, which support them. In 2016 Honeypot will be leading a campaign to increase awareness of the need for respite care for children who are carers. The event was hosted by Dr Daniel Poulter MP and MPs heard from the Shadow Children’s and Families Minister Sharon Hodgson and from the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Education Secretary.
Speaking at the event, Simmi Woodwal, Chief Executive of Honeypot said:
I am delighted that so many MPs and Peers have made time in their busy schedules to support our launch event. 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. At Honeypot we do what we can to give these kids a break and to offer them happy childhood experiences. But we can only do so much. I am really excited that MPs are now engaging on this issue and look forward to working with MPs from all parties to ensure that the government recognises the needs of child carers.
Pauline Latham OBE MP said:
I was pleased to have the opportunity to hear from Honeypot about their campaign and to lend my support to its objectives. This campaign is shining a light on the problems young carers face and I congratulate Simmi and her team.