A KIND-hearted Coventry woman who has been a young carer since the age of seven has won a first-of-its-kind award for her extraordinary work.
Sharandeep Sahota has scooped the Community Impact: Change Maker of the Year prize at the Duke of Edinburgh ‘This is Youth’ awards.
From a young age, the 20-year-old has supported her blind grandmother – who is now developing dementia – and her epileptic grandfather by cooking, cleaning and helping around the house.
After being introduced to Carers Trust Heart of England, she has gone on to volunteer with the organisation, establishing a council to advocate for young carers.
In addition, Sharandeep fund-raises and makes monthly food parcels for homeless people, creates care packages for children in hospital and, during the pandemic, worked with a charity trying to combat social isolation.
She fits in all her amazing deeds alongside studying for a law degree and working two part-time jobs.
Sharandeep received the award from Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson at a special ceremony in London last Wednesday.
She said: “My biggest hope is to continue to motivate other young people to volunteer within their communities.
“As Sikhs, we are encouraged to get involved with our community from an early age.
“The thing I most enjoy about volunteering is contributing to something bigger than myself.
“I think it’s important to give back when you can and it brings me a lot of joy.”
The This is Youth Awards recognise and celebrate the amazing stories behind The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, showcasing young people who rise above challenges to make their mark on the world.
