Young carers have received gifts to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

Bags packed with art materials have been given to 92 young carers aged between five and 18.

Even under normal circumstances, everyday life can be tough for children and young people looking after a parent, sibling or other relative, but the Covid-19 crisis has made things even more challenging.

So Quilter International employees - who have been raising funds for Crossroads’ Young Carers Project as part of a three-year initiative which began last year and aims to donate a total of £60,000 by the end of 2021 - decided to organise a random act of kindness.

Crossroads staff - all trained to observe social distancing guidelines - delivered the gifts.

Jackie Betteridge, the chief executive officer at Crossroads, said: ’We are very grateful to Quilter International for such a fantastic gesture.

’The lockdown has been tough for our young carers, especially those who rely on our sessions to have a break.

’It has also meant that for many of our carers, they have not been able to have their usual breaks or respite which has put additional pressure on them.

’Many of our young carers have been showing their support for the NHS and key workers by creating some amazing artwork, so the stickers, pens, paint, and colouring books in the gift boxes will be put to good use. We are also pleased that they will be received as part of events to mark Mental Health Awareness Week as this year’s theme is kindness and this is a wonderful gesture by Quilter International.’

Mental Health Awareness Week was organised by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation and during the event Quilter International focused on connecting with each other and communities at a time when everyone is physically isolated in a way which makes the other person feel seen, cared about and valued.

Wendy Ranft-Gerber, communications and community investment manager at Douglas-based finance sector company Quilter International, said: ’Our hope is that the additional support we can provide will help them where they are missing out on creative activities and respite that they would ordinarily get from attending school.’