We are very lucky in Suffolk that we work with some great schools that put much effort into supporting their young carers. Working together and being creative really adds to the support we can provide to our amazing young carers.
There were many young carers identified in south east Ipswich but it seemed that many could not access our respite activities due to issues around transport. During one families Network Meeting where this issue was discussed, the young carer lead at The Oaks primary school and ourselves came up with an idea. We used the schools mini bus to take a bus full of enthusiastic young carers to a Young Carers Go Wild session in Claydon (forest school style activity).
Invites were sent by both ourselves and the school to parents which meant a much better chance of parents being aware of the activity
Feedback from both children and parents was positive. A success!
Following on we then decided to trial an activity one evening at The Oaks primary but inviting young carers from all primary schools in the area – treasure hunts, arts and crafts, football, biscuit decorating.
Again there was a great take up – we had children from The Oaks, The Willows, Sprites and Ranelagh! Many of these children would not otherwise be able to engage in activities further afield.
At the end of the session, children all said they enjoyed themselves. Parents said it was great to have something they could access in their area and asked when we would be doing it again
