Latest events held for Sycamore The Mayor's Charity See the attached details. Sycamore is the Mayor’s charity for 2009/10, which this year aims to raise money in support of young carers of primary school age in Southend. The fund will provide a long term friend and mentor and a fun day off from their caring duties, whilst providing support to the person they care for. A Department of Health estimate acknowledged 32,000 young carers in the UK, however, the last Census found an incredible 175,000 with some 13,000 of them providing more than 50 hours of help a week

The Sycamore fund aims to enlist the help of 16-24 year olds involved in volunteering, matching them as mentor and providing friendship and personal respite. Southend Mayor, Cllr Brian Smith said:
“There are some really good organisations in Southend already providing respite care for young, however carers between the ages of 7-11 tend to be withdrawn and less likely to participate in group events”.

Fundraising Committee Chair, Jean Howes added: