Local charity, Carers Support Centre is determined that young carers get a break this summer. Despite social distancing restrictions, they are delivering a range of exciting virtual events for young carers, in partnership with brilliant local businesses and charities. These hands-on workshops give young carers the chance to take some much-needed time away from their caring role and do something creative, sociable and fun.
From a model making workshop with Aardman, to online cookery classes with Coexist Community Kitchen, to art and music workshops with Create, to virtual theatre with Acta and online dance classes with Funkymoves, there is an exciting range of activities for young carers to choose from this summer.
Events like this mean everything to young carers. They give them time and headspace to relax, make friends and just be kids for a while. These activities also allow them to see others in similar situations, reminding them that there are other children like them, facing the same challenges. Accessing these activities is crucial for young carers’ wellbeing.
Local young carers attending community theatre acta’s virtual theatre workshops, had this to say:
“Really exciting, great fun. The acting was great.” Harley
“Again, it was chaotic but great fun.” Oscar
“Amazing, glad I could join from the beginning today.” Paul
“I enjoyed it even better than yesterday. I didn’t want to do it but I am so glad I did. It has made me so happy. I am so glad I did it again.” Aimee
Caring is a huge responsibility and the coronavirus has increased the burden on young carers. A recent survey by Carers Trust reveals significant increases in the time young people are spending on caring. 58% of young carers are spending an extra 10 hours a week on their caring responsibilities. 8% are spending over 90 hours a week altogether. 40% of young carers say their mental health is worse since coronavirus, 67% are more worried about the future and 69% are feeling less connected to others.
Respite for young carers has never been more important. If you know a young person who looks after someone at home, please visit the Carers Support Centre website to learn more about their services and how to make a young carer referral: www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk