It was a Christmas party like no other – and all done via Zoom.

More than 150 young carers from across Dorset coming together in what’s believed to be the UK’s biggest young carers Christmas party.

Party bags, including a Christmas jumper, were sent out in advance.

The party itself included games, magic, singing and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

And the real ‘wow’ factor at the event organised by the MYTIME Young Carers charity?

Oritsé Williams, of JLS pop band fame, who delivered a special video message.

He told the young carers: “I am so proud of all the young carers throughout the country who have been going to incredible lengths to keep their loved ones extra safe in one of the hardest years of our lives.

“Every single one of you are extraordinary human beings and, in my eyes, real-life heroes within our society.”

Krista Sharp, MYTIME Young Carers CEO, said, “’Operation Christmas’ has been incredible.

“What started as a small idea quickly turned into a much bigger one and the resulting party was beyond our wildest dreams.

“Up and down the country, young carers have had such a challenging year and they deserved to have the most amazing party thrown in their honour.

“This has been our way of saying a huge thank you to them for all that they do.”

“We enjoyed an absolutely brilliant time.

“One of the highlights of the event was a surprise streaming of a video message from Oritsé Williams.

“We are so grateful to Oritsé for supporting our young carers Christmas party.

“As a former young carer himself Oritsé understands exactly what it means to care for a loved one.

“He is an incredible advocate for young carers and by sharing his own story he has helped make young carers more visible enabling them to access the support they deserve.

“The young carers at the party were all sent party bags, in advance of the event, which included a Christmas jumper to wear for the online celebrations, chocolates, a book and other small gifts.

“We had a packed itinerary for the party.

“Games of bingo with some brilliant prizes, including a star prize of a four-night stay for a lucky family at the exclusive Bournemouth Beach Lodges,and entertainment from The Funky Little Choir, a community-based group of singers who love to sing and perform ‘random acts of choir ness’ by performing for people across the community who are facing tougher times.

“We also had some mind-bending tricks from magician Nick Bavistock and we were so lucky to have a visit from Santa Claus.”

Comments received by organisers included:

• Elizabeth, aged ten: “The party was great and I met lots of new people. I love my new Christmas jumper and the bingo was so much fun.”
• Morwenna, a young carer parent: “I am delighted to tell you that Jocelyn was equally as delighted as her brother Lucas with receiving her goody bag.  I don’t think she will be taking the jumper off!”

Krista said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of Oritsé and also so many local people and businesses.

“Young carers are truly the most incredible group of young people and it’s been brilliant bringing them to together for some festive fun.

“There are so many thank you’s to make which have allowed this event to be the superb success that it’s been.”

“They included:

• BH Live CEO Chris Symons and his team at the Littledown Centre, who very generously donated their space to us so we could organise the Christmas party bags to be sent out to the young carers across Dorset.
• Suroma Halder from BSK Events went above and beyond to acquire Christmas jumpers.
• Gemma Bailey from StaryEyed who designed and supplied over 200 of our Christmas jumpers.
• Fred & Florence who are part of the Tesco group for their huge donation towards the jumpers and for supplying the other 300 jumpers we needed.
• The Leonardo Trust for their donation towards buying every young carer a copy of the new ‘Roy of the Rovers’ – where Roy and Rocky the two main characters are young carers who care for their dad.
• Diana Humphries from the Sovereign Housing Association for their kind donation toward the cost of organising the party.”

Krista added: “Without them none of this would have happened.”

• mytimecharity.co.uk