Young carers from Summit Learning Trust schools across Birmingham and Solihull have visited Solihull Sixth Form College today (Thursday 6th June) to take part in The Big Lunch. The trust arranged to hold The Big Lunch event in order to highlight the amazing work the young carers do supporting family members.
The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together at colleges for neighbours and communities, with significant numbers of people coming together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun. It connects people and encourages friendlier, safer communities where people start to share more – conversations, ideas, skills, resources, and friendship. Big Lunches are taking place throughout June which is the Month of Community.
The event was attended by Brendan Connor OBE JP DL, to represent the West Midlands Lieutenancy. Other notable guests included Sally Barton-Bodley representing Solihull & Warwickshire’s Carers Trust, Spurgeon’s and Sutton Coldfield’s and YMCA representatives.
The young carers were treated to a Big Lunch buffet, and they heard from Sally Barton-Bodley about her role within the region and how she works with young carers and their families to support them in their role. The lunch was also a chance to celebrate the local charities and volunteers and shine a light on the important work they do in the local community.
Ninestiles,an Academy, Yarnfield Primary School and Solihull Sixth Form College, all part of the Summit Learning Trust, have recently won prestigious awards for their work supporting young carers with their education.
Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust said:
“I am delighted that so many young carers were able to attend The Big Lunch event we organised at Solihull Sixth Form College. These children and young people have responsibilities far beyond their years and do an amazing job in balancing their study and their care work at home.
“At Summit we work to provide them with all the support we can; the lunch was also a chance to celebrate these very special young people and remind them that we know they work so hard both at home and at school or college on a daily basis.”