Warriors to welcome young carers charity

• Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards will join forces to support Wigan and Leigh Young Carers.
• For the second time this season, young carers will be invited to attend the Super League fixture.
• Volunteers from the centre will be around the stadium and Robin Park Fan Village collecting donations.

Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards will team up once again ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Super League clash to help raise funds and awareness for Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre.

For the second time this season – and for the first at the DW Stadium – Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards will join forces to support Wigan and Leigh Young Carers.

The independent charity, which supports unpaid carers looking after people in the Wigan borough, also offers services for young carers – a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for an adult or child.

More than 800 people associated with the Hindley-based centre will be attending Saturday’s clash, and volunteers from the centre will be around the stadium and Robin Park Fan Village collecting donations. The centre relies on fundraising, small grants, and donations, to cover the costs of young carer group sessions and trips, as currently there is no statutory funding for respite.

Speaking on the support from the Warriors and Leopards, senior young career support worker Nicola Wood said: “Both clubs have been unbelievable, and the support has been quite overwhelming really. They have provided us with an amazing opportunity to raise funds which are essential for us to support young carers.”

Nicola added: “These matches give us the chance to raise awareness, and to send a message out to carers that we are here and that there is support. They may be local rivals on the pitch, but both clubs coming together to support our charity and do something positive in the community is amazing.”

Below is Jordell’s story, on how she has been supported by the centre over the last five years:

Jordell began caring for three younger siblings aged 12, which led to her involvement with Wigan and Leigh Young Carers after her secondary school guided her to the centre. Jordell became responsible for meal preparation, personal care, and ensuring her siblings attended school, which came at the expense of her own education.

After leaving her family home in 2017, Jordell began caring for her grandmother which involved handling medication, completing food shops, as well as providing emotional support. Jordell’s own mental health began to suffer, however, the staff at Wigan and Leigh Young Carers provided valuable one-to-one emotional support.

As well as running trips out for young carers to enjoy and unwind, the centre also provided Jordell with the opportunity to complete first-aid training. Jordell has since been able to start a job working in childcare for HR support, and now, she plans on returning to college to pursue her lifelong ambition of becoming a paramedic.

“I carry Wigan and Leigh Young Carers close to my heart as it has given me the knowledge and life skills I have today that I can now pass on to my own little boy,” said Jordell.

“I have met people I will treasure for life and memories I will never forget. They are such a valuable part of the community and the minute you walk into that first group, as daunting as it is, you are made to feel welcome and part of the family because that is exactly what it is – a family.”

Tickets for Saturday’s clash against Leigh Leopards are available to purchase online HERE. Alternatively, supporters can buy tickets from the DW Stadium Ticket Office (open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri), either in person or by calling 01942 311111.