October half term saw the launch of our ‘Young Carers Go Wild’ sessions for carers 5-11 years.
Our first session was held within the fabulous forest school area of Nowton Park where the participants got to have a go at nature inspired crafts such as wood peeling and using palm drills ( Kody was the expert in this!) , den building, nature trails and fire lighting before having some relaxation time sat around our group effort camp fire.
We understand the need for children to have time outside, learning to appreciate the natural environment via adult led activities plus also allowing the children time to explore and create self-initiated activities. Through free play the children learn skills vital for positive wellbeing; the ability to use their own fantastic imaginations to create games or to welcome free time to be themselves and be comfortable in their own thoughts without being reliant on adult led entertainment.
The children who attended our sessions during half term had so many ideas for ‘when we next visit…’. The shared feedback being that ‘the session wasn’t long enough and the time went too quickly…. there is still lots we want to do’.
We were so impressed once again by the participant’s ability to arrive having never met each other before but to leave the activity having made new friends. Thank you to the family members who made arrangements to get their child to and from the activity. We were so lucky with the weather that is was also great to hear that some families had chosen to stay at Nowton Park and enjoy the setting themselves whilst their child was with us. Too often parents can be so busy making sure their children are being looked after, they can overlook giving the same consideration to themselves.
Being a Young Carer can sometimes mean missing out on time to be a child which is why we have firm plans to continue our Young Carers Go Wild sessions into 2023, having secured locations in Lowestoft and Sudbury to host more sessions.
If you are a school or community setting with a Forest School area you would welcome us to make use please do get in touch with our team and we will happily have a conversation with you to secure further plans for 2023.
