Twenty young carers and their families were welcomed to the Blue Base as Everton in the Community hosted a free two-course Christmas dinner and consultation evening recently.

In collaboration with Barnardo’s, the Club’s official charity greeted young carers from the local community at its facility on Spellow Lane as a show of appreciation, with a Christmas dinner provided by EITC staff and volunteers.

The event also gave Everton in the Community the chance to support attendees through a series of workshops.

Being a young carer presents a number of financial and educational restraints, as well as social challenges.

The group also participated in a range of fun activities before being treated to an exclusive stadium tour of Goodison Park, concluding a memorable night for the carers, their families and the EITC staff and volunteers.

Adam Howard, EITC volunteer manager, said: “It was a really special evening for all involved.

“The challenges these young people face and overcome on a daily basis is truly inspirational, so it’s humbling to be able to give something back to these incredible young people.

“There’s compelling evidence to suggest that the number of young carers in the UK is rising, making it all the more important to provide support for these young people.”

Angela Howard, development worker for Barnardo’s, added: “The Everton in the Community young carers evening was a fantastic night which all of our young carers, their parents and siblings thoroughly enjoyed.

“Young carers often tell us that one of the things they feel they miss out on is spending quality time with their parents outside of the family home, so it was lovely for us to see them having such a good time with their parents.”