A Romsey charity for young people is facing the threat of closure if it cannot raise £20,000 to keep the doors open.

After celebrating 20-years supporting young people in Romsey and Test Valley last year, the Romsey Young Carers are ‘struggling to keep the lights on.’

The charity provides support and advice and organises activities to help young carers balance their caring responsibilities with their own needs.

But an increased number of people needing support is meaning the charity is being stretched thinly.

Romsey Young Carers manager, Chris Hall, said: “With significant increase in housing in the area this has brought many new people to the area, increasing the numbers on our books from 100 to over 170 in the last 4 years.

Romsey Young Carers manager, Chris HallRomsey Young Carers manager, Chris Hall (Image: NQ) “In the very short term this will impact us by loss of key staff, possible reduction in service and even the threat of closure in the not-so-distant future. 

“As a service we need to raise a minimum of 20k by March but in reality, we need to secure things over the next 12 months to allow us to submit more funding bids and hopefully gain more sustainable sources of funding.”

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The charity has just one full time worker and four part time workers and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.

“The loss of the charity would be so devastating for those young people we work with and their families.”

A fundraising page has been set up to support the charity.

Many young carers regularly help a family member who needs support, which could be due to disability, mental health, or drug or alcohol use.

A 20-year-old woman, Kascey, has been supported by Romsey Young Carers for the last 15 years.

She said: “Since I can remember, this charity have supported me and hundreds of other children with caring responsibilities.

“Through their network and clubs, I was able to gain access to opportunities that I would otherwise only dream of.

“One of my key highlights was attending university experience trips, motivating me to apply and now succeed at the University of Bath.”