Young carers keep busy this summer
Friday, 23 September 2022
Young carers from Central Bedfordshire have had a ball this summer, getting stuck into a whole host of activities laid on by our Early Help team.
11 young carers took to the high seas on a three-day sailing trip, setting out from Ipswich Marina. Each young person got the opportunity to find out about life on board a boat and had a chance to learn the ropes by helping to steer and navigate along the River Orwell. The carers were supported by members of our Early Help team, and the trip was organised by the Cirden Sailing trust.
Another group headed to Willen Lake in Milton Keynes to make the most of the Aqua Parc.
With over 30 inflatable obstacles, the group had a fantastic day splashing around, with one young carer saying:
I have never been there before and […] I probably wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for young carers. I feel happy when I attend as it gets me out of the house to spend some time away from my brother.
It wasn’t just sporting activities on offer though – the team also took a group to the Forest Centre in Marston Vale where they spent a day doing arts and crafts activities, and outdoor wellbeing activities including yoga.
One parent praised the activities, saying her daughter:
… has benefited from attending the young carers groups and events as she has made lots of friends her age who are in a similar situation to her. It has really helped her grow as an individual.
Councillor Sue Clark, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children said:
It’s really important that young carers are able to take time away from their caring role and these events also help to put them in touch with other young carers who understand what they are going through. Our Early Help team with responsibility for our young carers work really hard to organise regular sessions, as well as these summer events, and I am delighted that they have been so well received.