Young Carer Activity Worker, Sam Allport, was treated to a royal weekend at Buckingham Palace as thanks for his support to the people of Gateshead.

Sam was invited to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party on 3rd May in recognition his work with the Young Carer Service, Safe Families and other causes in Gateshead.

It was a fantastic day meeting other people from different walks of life who shared their roles within their communities. We didn’t directly get to meet the King but he past us with his entourage of dignitaries and Prince Edward spoke to a group of us asking where we had travelled from.

Sam is the longest serving member of the Young Carer Service, having worked for in the team for 22 years!

He’s been a regular friendly face for generations of young carers and has often been the man behind the minibus wheel when children and young people are picked up for activities. Over the years, Sam has been there on weekends, evenings and school holidays. He’s helped us to run everything from camping to sprout rolling!!??, though most people will probably remember him for his terrible dad jokes and ever-positive attitude. And all that’s just in his spare time! Outside of the Young Carer Service, Sam works full-time as a Learning Support Officer at Gateshead College, has worked as one of our Carer Support workers, and volunteers with Safe Families!

I wanted to give something back to society as I received help at a time in my life when I needed it.

It’s fair to say that Sam has brightened the lives of thousands of children, young people and families across the borough and is still remembered by adults who met him as children all those years ago. We’re sure you’ll all join us on congratulating Sam and saying a big thank you for his support to the people of Gateshead.