The Honeypot Children’s Charity, thanks to match funding from the Betty Messenger Foundation, amassed £217,794 through its Christmas fundraising campaign.
These funds will provide support to young carers aged five to 12, including respite breaks, wellbeing grants, educational and memory-making opportunities.
The annual Honeypot Christmas Carol Concert at Romsey Abbey was a highlight of the season, raising more than £10,000.
Sponsored by Selwood, the event featured music from The Funky Little Choir Co and King Edward VI Preparatory School choir, bringing together the community to support young carers.
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During the Christmas campaign young carers got the chance to see Elf the Musical at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton (Image: The Honeypot Children’s Charity) The evening also included personal stories, such as one from former Honeypot parent Sue Nash, highlighting the long-term impact of the charity’s support.
These fundraising efforts will enable Honeypot to offer a variety of activities to young carers.
More than 2,500 Honeypot Winter Fun Books were distributed, designed by John Lewis Southampton volunteers, to provide a 50-page activity book for children to enjoy over the festive period.
The magic continued with a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole, courtesy of United Airlines, where 30 young carers enjoyed a day of festive entertainment.
A special screening of Spider-Man: No Way Home with Tom Holland was also part of the festivities.
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Other highlights included a Christmas party at Downing Street, Elf the Musical at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, and a visit from the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine at Honeypot House.
Father Christmas also made an appearance at after-school Christmas parties.
In addition to these events, Honeypot continues to run residential respite breaks every weekend and during school holidays at its three houses: Honeypot House near Blackfield, Honeypot Pen y Bryn in Wales, and Honeypot Dalleagles in Scotland.
These activities are made possible through donations and support from the community, ensuring Honeypot can continue to create brighter futures and happy childhood memories for young carers.
For more information about how The Honeypot Children’s Charity supports local young carers aged five to 12, visit its website at honeypot.org.uk or contact community engagement manager Viv Carter at viv@honeypot.org.uk.
The charity offers a range of support to young carers who often miss out on a normal childhood due to their responsibilities.
The funds raised will ensure these children receive the support they need to thrive.