Old Mutual International aims to make a significant impact to the lives of young carers via a three year partnership with the Crossroads Care Isle of Man charity.

In 2018 Quilter PLC, Old Mutual International’s parent company, announced a £1.5million initiative to support young carers in the UK via The Quilter Foundation, a registered UK charity which aims to help young people overcome barriers to prosperity.

As part of that initiative, here in the Isle of Man Old Mutual International is supporting Crossroads Care’s Young Carers Project with an aim to raise about £60,000 over the next three years.

To launch the partnership a meet and greet event was held at King Edward Bay House (Old Mutual International’s headquarters) in Onchan, attended by company staff and representatives from the charity.

Staff attended workshops to find out more about Crossroads Care’s work. There was also a cake sale - it’s one of many fundraising events the company’s staff will be holding to raise funds. A cheque for £15,679 was presented by Old Mutual International chief executive Peter Kenny to Jackie Betteridge, chief executive, Crossroads Care. The sum will fund a young carers support worker.

Mr Kenny said: ’This is a partnership that will make a significant, positive impact on the lives of young carers whose tremendous work often goes unnoticed.

’My colleagues and I are all extremely motivated and eager to support this new partnership, the results of which will deliver tangible benefits not only to the 100 young carers that currently access Crossroads Care support services, but also the 90 or so young carers that are on their waiting list.’

Isle of Man’s Children’s Champion Tim Baker MHK was also at the launch. He said: ’This partnership is absolutely tremendous with a third sector organisation that does some fantastic work being supported by a prominent and respected business. I think this represents what the Isle of Man is all about - we want to be a caring and inclusive society, and an island of enterprise so it’s always fantastic to see the business community working with the third sector to make a difference to the lives of young carers.’

Jackie Betteridge said: ’Everyone only gets one chance at childhood, and thanks to Old Mutual International’s support we will enable more young carers to make the most of their childhood, provide care for the loved ones who rely on them, and help them fulfil their potential as adults.’