The YC Central clubs are both held at Tower Hall, Rushmere St Andrew. There is plenty of parking and a play park right beside the hall, this can be used before or after the session. We start with the 5-9yr olds session from 4.30-6pm, we then have a break and a quick tidy before the 9-12yr olds session from 6.30-8pm. The club runs ‘term time’, and we try to keep it to the second Wednesday of the month, for consistency.
We have a great team, which consists of 3 young carer advisers as well as our dependable volunteer.
YC Central is a drop off club, but we never mind a parent/guardian coming along to settle their child/children.
Every session starts with a catch up/check in with all of our young people, we sit in a semi-circle and go round the group asking – name, age, what school they attend and one good thing they have done or one thing they are looking forward to doing. We feel this time gives all of the children a chance to share their news with the whole group (we are always on hand if they feel a little shy, or need some extra help to share their news with the group).
There is always an adviser available to have a 1:1 chat if a young person needs some extra time to talk during a session.
After the catch up, we explain what activities we have for the session, this includes some arts and crafts, board games and out-door equipment if the weather allows – we have a great outdoor space.
We always provide a snack and drinks – dietary requirements are catered for.
Feedback from some of the children who attend the sessions:
“I love coming to the young carers club, because I can be myself and it makes me happy.”
“I like coming to the club because I meet my young carer friends from different schools, and find out what they have been doing.”
“I like coming to the young carers club especially at the start, when we sit and talk about what we have done and we have fun!”
