Students and public alike are being invited to a special portrait exhibition to inspire them to fundraise for vulnerable children who have to spend hours every week looking after loved ones. Hidden, organised by national charity The Children’s Society and featuring a series of powerful photographs of young carers, is coming to Winterbourne House on Wednesday 24 February for one day only.
In Hidden, award-winning photographer and former young carer Max Alexander captures young carers’ resilience, determination and dreams for the future. The exhibition aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by children who provide crucial physical, emotional and practical care for a parent, sibling or other relative who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances.
While the official number of young carers is 166,000, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The portraits reveal their often invisible lives, where every day they face huge responsibilities and unimaginable difficult choices.
Steph Drummond, Student Fundraising Manager, at The Children’s Society, said: “This is a powerful exhibition that demonstrates the challenges young carers face and, hopefully, shows why supporting these young people is so essential. We hope it will inspire Birmingham students to get involved in our campaigns, or to raise money to help us tackle child poverty and teenage neglect.
“There are loads of ways to make a difference while having a good time, whether by climbing a mountain, running a marathon, or baking a cake. We’d urge anyone interested to come along on the 24th to find out more.”
Led by the Children's Society, the exhibition is part of The Big Lottery funded-Young Carers in Focus programme.
The Children’s Society Chief Executive Matthew Reed wants the exhibition to wake visitors up to the reality of life for the country’s young carers. He said: “Hidden raises awareness about the lives of young carers and their families across Cheshire and the rest of England. The Children’s Society is working to make sure that their stories are no longer hidden from view and they receive the support they need to enjoy their childhoods and fulfil their potential.”
The exhibition is being held at the Nettlefold Room, Nicholson Building, Winterbourne House, The University of Birmingham onWednesday 24 February 2016 from 10.30 am until 3.30pm.
It will also include a launch of new research between 1.30pm–3.30pm around young carers with Professor Saul Becker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of Social Sciences.
