BARNARDO’S staff have been immortalised in artwork to mark Young Carers Awareness Day.
Portraits of some of the charity’s workers have been created and collated into one piece of artwork, which will now hang in the Barnardo’s east region support office in Horsforth.
It was unveiled by young carers from the charity’s Willow project and Kirkstall ward councillor Fiona Venner.
The work was put together by the young people and artist Alan Pergusey before Christmas, working from portraits of staff in the Horsforth office and at Willow in Gipton.
Sylvia Shatwell, Children’s Services Manager said: “This amazing piece of art was a true work of collaboration. Local Leeds artist Alan Pergusey spent the morning working with the young people to learn how to draw portraits then in the afternoon they all set about painting them.
“We were absolutely delighted to have Councillor Venner come and unveil the art on Young Carers Awareness day. She talked to the young people who had worked on the piece and showed a really clear understanding of young carers needs and a commitment on behalf of the council to continue to support them. For us at Willow every day is a young carers awareness day.”
Barnardo’s Willow is a support service for young carers aged from five to 18 living in Leeds. It supports children and young people who care for a family member affected by a physical or mental health illness, disability or substance misuse problem.
Willow can be contacted at Barnardo’s Willow Young Carers, The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds, LS9 6NL. Telephone 0113 249 1634.
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