Brentford FC’s community arm backing scheme to help them get employment

Ali Umar who cares for his mother and younger siblings will benefit from scheme

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust launches an employment project for young carers in Ealing

To mark Young Carers Awareness Day (Thursday 25 January), Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is launching a project that aims to help young carers develop a future beyond their caring roles.

With research showing that 70% of young carers are NEET’s, the project, coined the ‘Get Set programme’, will support young carers in Ealing with training and employment opportunities.

Ali Umar, who is a young carer for his mum, says of the project, ‘“As a young carer, I take care of my younger siblings and think of them before I think of myself. In practical terms, I take them to school, make food for them and look after them.

“Basically, I’ve had to grow up a lot faster, because I have to think like a grown-up.”

The project hopes to bridge the gap for young carers who are often denied training and educational opportunities due to care commitments. The programme will include work visits, placements, CV writing support, and workshops with potential employers.

Brentford FC CST already runs a young carers’ project; last year alone the Trust worked with nearly 200 young carers through educational and sporting activities.

Lee Doyle, Chief Executive of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said, “Since Ealing Council commissioned Brentford FC CST to run their young carers programme we have increased participation in the programme from 25 young carers to nearly 200.”

The Get Set Programme is funded by the Pathways charity and the Fearless Foundation, which was set-up in memory of Danny Fullbrook –a well-known and respected sports journalist for the Daily Star.

Mark Dickinson, who helped set up the Fearless Foundation, said, “The Fearless Foundation’s ethos has always been about inspiring young people to achieve their goals; this project will help young carers receive specialist training and support that they vitally need.”

Working in partnership with Brentford FC, the Trust offers a portfolio of programmes in education, health, sports participation and community engagement. The Trust has won the ‘Football League Community Club of the Year’ award four times and now employs over 100 members of staff.

January 25, 2018