Eleven young carers recently enjoyed a weekend away at the annual Young Carers Festival, thanks to generous support from the Margaret Westwood Memorial Trust.

 

YSS Worcestershire Young Carers keyworkers David King and Vicky Parker, along with YSS volunteer Rona Whitfield, accompanied 11 young carers aged 11-16 to this year’s festival, which took place at Fairhorne Manor in Southampton, across a three day weekend from Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July.

 

The festival saw more than 1,800 young carers come together to relax, have fun and socialise with other people in similar situations. As well as a lively opening ceremony and plenty of sunshine, young carers also had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including fairground rides, kayaking, paddle boarding and giant inflatables, as well as trying their hand on the zip wire and climbing wall! Music and fireworks were also in abundance throughout the weekend, and special group activities included yoga workshops, a silent disco, arts and crafts tasks and wildlife displays.

Vicky, who accompanied the young carers throughout the trip, said: “We had an absolutely amazing time at the festival and would like to say a big thank you to the Margaret Westwood Memorial Trust for funding the trip for our young carers. It was an action-packed weekend and provided a well-deserved break. The memories and experiences these young carers enjoyed are invaluable and will last them a life time.”

A young carer who attended the trip said: “The festival was really fun! There were lots of opportunities and things to do, and I made lots of new friends. All of the staff were very kind and genuine too. I would love to go again and have the chance to learn more skills and meet more people. Thank you!”

Worcestershire Young Carers has been successfully delivered by YSS since 2003. It provides one-to-one support, assessment and signposting to young people aged between seven and 25 who have a caring role at home. Clubs and activities are also part of the service and take place regularly throughout the year.

To find out more about Worcestershire Young Carers and see how you can get involved please click here. For more photos from the event head to the Facebook page at facebook.com/worcestershireyoungcarers.