Dorset charity MYTIME Young Carers is urging 25 businesses to take part in a match funded Christmas Advent initiative.

‘Work for Good’, which helps charities raise funds from purpose driven small businesses, is backing the project, marketed as #SmallBusinessStar.

Businesses pledge a proportion of sales from their products or services for an elected period of time to MYTIME Young Carers.

‘Work for Good’ will then match fund donations up to £500, paid between December 1 and 31.

The charity says participating businesses will receive plenty of recognition for their involvement.

Matthew Barker, Founder and Chairman, MYTIME Young Carers, said: “In return, MYTIME will be working hard to promote the goodwill and generosity of supporters.

“Our aim is to enlist the help of 25 businesses, and to create for MYTIME an advent calendar of altruism.

“In the run-up to Christmas, the charity will publicly post their thanks through social media to a different business every day.

“The challenges that 2020 has posed have impacted no-one more so than young carers, and MYTIME has adapted quickly and courageously to meet their emerging needs.

“By way of showing my appreciation and respect for the phenomenal work the charity has done this year, I will be pledging my support through my business, Barker, for the ‘Work for Good’, #SmallBusinessStar Christmas campaign and would urge others to join in too.

“Together we can make a real positive difference to the charity’s fundraising and help to make an immediate impact on the lives of young carers in the region.”

To become a #SmallBusinessStar and get involved, sign up for free at www.workforgood.co.uk.

Make sure you select MYTIME Young Carers as your chosen charity and make your pledge before December 1.

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…and talking of stars – national recognition for MYTIME’s Ellie

Ellie Talebian, MYTIME Young Carers’ Head of Communications, has been named ‘Best Digital Champion’ in the Social CEOs Awards.

The awards recognise leaders and their commitment and talent to digital excellence in the charity sector.

Other talent recognised included leaders at Hospice UK, St John Ambulance, Sense, The Children’s Trust and HIV Scotland.

Ellie, pictured left, said, “I’m beyond proud of what we’ve achieved during Covid and delighted to have my work recognised by our CEO Krista Sharp and the Social CEOs judging panel.

“Most importantly I’m ecstatic that the judging panel recognised the importance of there being an online provision for Young Carers during the pandemic.

“I believe we’re one of the first young carer charities to win a prize.

“With names like @teenage_cancer @sheltercharity @hospice_uk @actionaiduk amongst the award winners to date it’s fair to say we’re in very good company.

“For a small charity with huge ambition – this is a massive win for the recognition of young carers all over.

“During Coivd-19 we’ve fed families, we’ve tackled loneliness, we’ve created a tribe, we’ve created opportunities, fostered connection and removed barriers to learning and social mobility to level the playing field for young carers.

“MYTIME@Home reached thousands, it was the only programme of its kind for young carers during Covid and it would not have been possible without the support of the team and our networks of great people leaning in to make good things happen.

“I do this job for every young carer and young adult carer that wakes up with the weight of the world on their shoulders. That can’t articulate their unique experience but knows their job is for life.”

Krista Sharp, CEO, MYTIME Young Carers, said: “We are hugely proud of Ellie.

“She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the invaluable support young carers offer their families within our communities.

“Her creativity and commitment inspired the MYTIME@Home programme which offered support to young carers throughout this extremely challenging year.”