He Saved His Mum’s Life at 11. Now Dorset Is Being Asked to Show Young Carers They Matter.

Across Dorset, hundreds of young people are quietly balancing childhood with extraordinary responsibility. They are cooking, cleaning, organising medication, and providing emotional care to parents or siblings who couldn’t manage without them. Many do this before they even leave for school.

These young carers rarely ask for anything. Most never identify themselves as extraordinary, even though they are.

This Christmas, MYTIME Young Carers is determined to make sure they feel seen.

A simple idea making a powerful impact

Every December, MYTIME delivers Christmas bags to young carers across the region, these are small bundles of joy that remind each child they matter. Each bag costs just £20 to put together, yet its impact can be life-changing.

Inside is a cosy Christmas jumper, thoughtful gifts, and a handwritten note crafted to bring a smile on a day that can feel heavy for so many.

Last year’s bags made a profound difference. And this year, MYTIME hopes to reach even more young carers, but they need the community’s help.

"You made him feel special at a time he truly needed it."

The stories MYTIME hears every year are moving, but some stay with you forever.

Zac, just 11 years old, recently saved his mum’s life.

“Over the weekend, my 11-year-old son Zac saved my life. I was suffocating and he cleared my airways, checked my pulse and stayed with me, all while talking to my mother through his watch. He wouldn’t leave me the next day because he was too worried. Children like him deserve so much more acknowledgement and understanding than they get.

When he received his MYTIME Christmas gifts, he felt seen. He hasn’t taken his jumper off, and his confidence has grown visibly. You made him feel special at a time he truly needed it. Young carers carry so much. Your support makes a huge difference.”

This is just one young carer. One family. One moment of recognition that changed everything.

“She came out of school beaming.”

For Ava, the Christmas bag brought pride at a time when she was struggling emotionally.

“Ava would like to say a huge thank you for her Christmas bag. She’s going through an emotional time at the moment, and she came out of school beaming after talking in assembly about why she’d received it. We absolutely love the jumper.”

Sometimes, a small gift gives a child permission to stand a little taller.

Why Christmas feels different for young carers

While many children countdown to festivities, young carers often face:

• Increased responsibilities over the Christmas period
• Loneliness while other children are out celebrating
• Worry about money
• Emotional strain as family needs increase

A Christmas bag doesn’t solve every challenge, but it brings joy, recognition, and a sense of belonging.

How Dorset can help

This year, MYTIME is asking the community to come together so no young carer is left out. From 2nd December, donations will be taken via the Big Give, where every £20 Christmas bag donated will help ensure a young carer receives a gift chosen just for them.

How to support the appeal

This year, MYTIME is asking the community to come together so no young carer is left out. From 2nd December, donations will be taken via the Big Give, where every £20 Christmas bag donated will be match-funded, meaning every donation will be doubled. By sponsoring one bag, you help ensure two young carers receive a gift chosen just for them.

Make a donation:
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000005v2qDYAQ

 

Please also share the campaign with friends, workplaces and community groups because spreading awareness means that so many more young carers will get the recognition they deserve.

Krista - CEO of MYTIME Young Carers explains more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Q1QXXJ7Uc

Every bag gifted is a message of love and solidarity. It says, “We see you. You matter. You are not forgotten.”

 

Let’s make sure every young carer in Dorset feels valued, celebrated and supported this Christmas.