A YOUNG Carer has won a prestigious Diana Award for helping give fellow young carers national voice.

Zachary Carpenter, 16, from Shoebury, helps care for his disabled father, Don, but is also a Young Carer champion and has played an important role in ensuring young carers have a say in local and national matters affecting them.

He has helped influence amendments to the Care Act 2015 and the Children’s and Family Act 2015, to create better legal support for young carers and their families.

Zachary speaks and provides information at high profile youth events, chairs his local Young Carers Forum and is an invaluable support to other members of his young carers’ networks.

His father, Don Carpenter said: “He is a hardworking, considerate, thoughtful young man who puts the needs of others before his own. His life has been a challenge, overcoming adversity with kindness.

“I’m not sure how our family unit would have fared without his input and understanding.

“He has always contributed to the running of our house doing mundane cleaning etc without complaint. His support allows me to access life outside our home, thus increasing the quality of my life.”

Zachary was presented with his Diana Award at an event celebrating inspirational young people from across the Eastern region, as part of the INSPIRE Series.

Since 1999, the Diana Award has recognised over 45,000 young people who have made a positive difference to the lives of others and their communities.

Young people who attended INSPIRE Essex received specialised training in campaigning and community action to kick start a year-long social action initiative with their peers, to tackle social issues, make a positive change and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and others.

Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, James Courtenay said: “We are extremely proud of Zachary Carpenter. The Diana Award will encourage him to continue his actions and will hopefully inspire others to create further positive change in our community."

Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive of the Diana Award said: “These young people come from all walks of life and many have challenging and disadvantaged backgrounds. However what they share is a deep sense of social responsibility.

“Through our unique training, mentoring and development programmes we empower and motivate them to continue contributing their communities throughout their life. “We would like to congratulate all our new Award Holders today as they join #DianasLegacy and an alumni made up of 45,000 Diana Award Holders.”