Covid-19 fails to hold back TYKES as charity's chairman reports 'good progress' in his annual report and praises the 'outstanding generosity' of local people
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"A year of good progress” for TYKES is how 2020 has been described by board chairman, Major General Patrick Marriott in his annual report.
The Young Carers East Sutherland (TYKES), which provides support for young and young adult carers throughout Sutherland, have been proactive during the coronavirus pandemic by adopting new working practices.
The new and sometimes radical approaches have ensured that young carers have continued to receive valuable support during unsettling times.
Maj Gen Marriott said he had been particularly pleased at the appointment of a new support worker based in Kinlochbervie and described it as “an important step, as up until now, TYKES has focused primarily on south east Sutherland".
The charity’s new premises, on Golspie’s industrial estate, were now “wholly fit for purpose in an excellent location", he reported.
The TYKES charity shop closed during lockdown but new premises within Golspie were being considered.
The charity remained financially sound and had benefited from a number of Covid related grants in addition to traditional grant support.
Maj Gen Marriott said: “There have been some exceptional private donations made during 2020 for which directors are very grateful. The generosity of the people of Sutherland is outstanding.”
The Board of directors now stands at its full complement of 11 members with four new appointments made during 2020. The chairman said of the new volunteers: “All are exceptionally well qualified and we are grateful to them for their commitment.”
The new directors are Simon Scott, Golspie, Graeme Smart, Kinlochbervie, along with Louise Mackay and Susan Smith, both from Brora.
The Board has formed a new fundraising and communications group to look at the long-term plans for fundraising and strategies for advertising and communication.
The Board’s strategy group will be discussing the future direction of TYKES over the next 10 years during the coming year, with the aim of seeking directors’ approval for the plans by the end of 2021.
Maj Gen Marriott made particular mention of the board’s grateful thanks to patrons, Lord Strathnaver and Clare Mclellan, and the emeritus directors, volunteers, supporters and donors.
He said their “gentle work and generosity remains an example to us all".
On behalf of the board and TYKES across Sutherland, he closed his report by praising the staff, “whose determination and effort during the year has been exceptional".
Tykes manager, Myra Clark, reported that staff were coming up with new ideas all the time with a recent ‘make your own pizza day’ enjoyed by over 80 young carers. Rob Stephenson, Thyme and Plaice, Helmsdale helped to provide the kit and released the secret recipe for his pizza dough mix.
TYKES staff have prepared Halloween and autumn themed activity packs to give young carers some holiday fun and entertainment over the October school break. Deliveries will be made to all young carers in Sutherland.
