Batley musician's song aids carers struggling during lockdown

Matt Crutchlow’s single is called Petrocelli and has raised nearly £1,000, which Mr Cruthlow said ‘just seemed to fit the mood’ of lockdown.

Young carers are children under 18 caring for family members, often a parent, who may be affected by a physical or mental health difficulty, a disability or a substance misuse problem.

“All the money received is going to help Barnardo’s support Young Carers struggling to cope with lockdown,” said Mr Crutchlow.

“Lockdown has forced Barnardo’s to close their centres with many Young Carers still not allowed back to school, they’re struggling in challenging home environments.”

Mr Crutchlow said money from this record will go to Young Carers and their families, providing emotional wellbeing support, arts and crafts packs, food parcels and, in some cases, mobile phones to help families make it through this crisis.

Sylvia Shatwell, Children’s Services Manager at Barnardo’s, said: “I am so grateful to Matt for thinking of Barnardo’s and the situation of young carers in the lockdown.

"I think it’s a beautiful song and a beautiful gesture.

“Our fundraising is more important than ever right now, as we have had to close all our charity shops which are a major source of income.

"Any funds raised are being used directly to support young carers and provide items to help them cope during this time.

"Young carers are children under 18 who care for a family member, often a parent, who may be affected by a physical or mental health difficulty, a disability or a substance misuse problem.

"They can often become anxious and isolated because of their commitments and the health and well-being of children with caring roles can be badly affected.

"Barnardo’s have found some young carers and their families are really struggling with lockdown and the fear surrounding the virus.

"The charity is being as creative as possible to try and continue to support young carers over the phone and various online platforms and meeting rooms.

"This works for some but not all as not all young carers feel comfortable talking on the phone.

"During lockdown a lot of parents want to talk too, which is an important way of indirectly supporting the children and young people in the household. Many young carers are not sleeping well and feeling stressed because they are not having any time to themselves – a break which school often provides, as well as routine.

"In addition caring roles have increased with all siblings also being home increasing stress and responsibility and young carers worried about the person they care for catching the virus because they are vulnerable.

"Careful thought is being put into the packs provided to young carers to provide soothing, positive activities and messages to help them manage and let them know that they haven’t been forgotten.

The song is available on Bandcamp here: www.matthewjamescrutchlow.bandcamp.com