HAMPSHIRE’S young carers are to benefit from a scheme that gives them free theatre tickets.

The Point venue in Eastleigh has agreed that for every person who signs up as a Point supporter, it will donate a ticket to a show to the Eastleigh Young Carers.

The supporters scheme gives audience members a range of benefits such as priority booking for shows and discounts in the Leigh Road theatre’s cafe bar.

Eastleigh Young Carers is an initiative that has been running since 2000 that supports about 220 young carers aged eight to 18 in the borough.

These are young people who take on the responsibility of caring for someone, usually a parent, practically or emotionally, doing tasks normally done by an adult.

They may help someone get dressed, do household chores, shopping or looking after younger siblings.

The tickets initiative came about through working with Eastleigh-based charity One Community.

Based in Eastleigh, One Community, which helps to support local charities and groups, set up Eastleigh Young Carers, which aims to give young carers time off from caring and the opportunity to make friends with other young people in the same situation.

Joanne Miles, Young Carers services manager, said: “Our young carers give up their time to help look after a loved one and this will be an ideal opportunity for them to take a well-deserved break.”

Owen Calvert-Lyons, artistic director of The Point, said: “Our individual supporters help to make The Point the special venue that it is.

“Thanks to their support, generosity and enthusiasm we can continue to support artists and present ground-breaking performances, create inspiring events with schools and the local community and help develop the next generation of artists.

“Now our supporters will also be helping Eastleigh’s Young Carers to enjoy a free visit to the theatre.”

To find out more about becoming a Point supporter, call the box office on 023 8065 2333 or visit pointeastleigh. co.uk/ support-us.