Honeypot Honoured At 10 Downing Street For Carers Week

Honeypot Children’s Charity was welcomed to Downing Street (Monday 11 June) to celebrate their work with young carers on the first day of Carers Week 2018.

The Honeypot kids enjoyed touring Number 10 and taking part in fun activities, along with speaking to the Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds about their experiences as young carers.

Honeypot’s vision is for every child to make the most of their one chance at childhood. Since 1996, Honeypot has been working to enhance the lives of young carers and vulnerable children aged 5 – 12 years old, and is the only charity in the UK to provide respite breaks and on-going outreach support throughout a child’s formative years. Honeypot was chosen by No 10 staff as their Charity of the Year 2018.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:

“Young carers are truly heroic, selflessly caring for those they love. The Honeypot Children’s Charity and the volunteers behind it do an incredible job in raising awareness of young carers and supporting them to take a break, have a chance to make friendships and enjoy their childhood. Carers Week is about celebrating and recognising the efforts of carers and we are committed to supporting young carers so they can achieve their potential, as for all children.”

Honeypot Chief Executive Simmi Woodwal said:

“In the 10 years that I have lead this wonderful charity, there have been some amazing moments, but never did I imagine that I would have this platform, as Number 10’s Charity of the Year, to share with you the plight of young carers. This partnership will bring the issues around young carers to the forefront of people’s minds and these children and their families will get the help they so desperately need.” 

Carer and Honeypot graduate Bethannie York said:

“With the help of Honeypot and the vital influence that they had in my early life, I have become the person I am today, with ambitions of university and becoming a museum curator, and for that I am eternally grateful. I know the impact this charity has made on my life is unimaginable, but with this partnership with 10 Downing Street, just think how many young carers like me they will be able to help give a brighter future to.”

Honeypot volunteer, Kim Chung, was also honoured to receive a Point of Light award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer work with the children at Honeypot House.