Young carer nominated as Norwich City Community Hero

During the 2020-21 Sky Bet Championship football season, Fosters is working in partnership with Norwich City to celebrate its Community Hero initiative, which once a month highlights a deserving community-minded individual as the ‘Community Hero’ for a selected match day.

Molly, 18, is a young adult carer for both her dad and grandad, she has also cared for her uncle.

Molly has been nominated by charity, Caring Together for her support to her family and for being a valuable member of Norfolk Young Carers Forum.

Caring Together supports young and adult carers in Norfolk, including giving opportunities for them to take a break from their caring role.

Molly has been part of Norfolk Young Carers Forum since 2018 and has been able to share her experience of being a young adult carer, and how this role has impacted her education and social life. She has raised awareness of young carers and young adult carers through sharing her personal experience, to help shape the advice given on how educational providers can support their young carers.

Molly said, “Being a young carer is the most important thing in my life.

“I love looking after my dad, it means giving him the best life I can. I remind my dad to take his tablets, support him whilst walking, helping him go to bed, and to put his compression stockings on.

“These are just a few of the jobs I do to help my dad. I also look after my grandad as he is frail. I do this all mainly because I love to support my family in every way I can. I also cared for my uncle whilst he had COVID-19.”

Eloise Riches-Birt, carer awareness and voice co-ordinator commented, “Molly shows huge dedication to her family, including through her caring role.

“The role of carers in our communities is often unseen, people like Molly do what they do out of love, with very few other people being aware of how much they are doing to help others. We do not think Molly realises the truly amazing contribution she makes each and every day, but it is something that she should be very proud of.

“While the Norfolk Young Carers Forum does help to give her a break from her caring role and offer support, Molly also has made a big contribution to the forum.

“We are delighted to have been able to nominate her and for her to be recognised in this way.”

Caring Together provide information and advice, run services in our local communities and campaign so that carers have choices. Fosters have also worked closely with the charity over the last year to help support colleagues who are family carers and be awarded the Carer Friendly Tick Award in respect of its policies. You can find out more about Caring Together and the Norfolk Young Carers Forum at caringtogether.org.

Do you know a Community Hero? If there is anyone that you think deserves special recognition, whether the individual works in the emergency services, is a carer or charity champion – please nominate someone by visiting the Community Hero page on the Norwich City official website.