To end the summer holidays on a high we meet 23 young carers at Ipswich train station to embark on our journey to Kingswood in West Runton. Two busy trains, a short walk and three hours later WE MADE IT! It was then that we discovered we had the whole centre to ourselves so plenty of activities and space to enjoy over the coming three days. Each morning the children filled up on breakfast at 8am ready for a full day of activities finishing at 9pm every evening! With the sun out we spent most of our time enjoying the outdoors. Some of the most popular activities included Abseiling, Jacobs Ladder and Laser Tag!
‘’I really liked coming to Kingswood because I loved the abseiling and Jacobs ladder.’’
‘’My favourite part was laser tag. You might miss your parents but it’s worth it.’’
‘’I had a great time in laser tag, it was amazing! I enjoyed the whole thing.’’
All children had the opportunity to meet new people on the residential and became great friends very quickly which was lovely to see. Adam, the instructor who looked after our group said to the children he would never have known they were a group who rarely knew each other at the start of the residential. It was clear to all staff that friendships were blossoming throughout the children’s time at Kingswood.
‘’The residential helped me to make new friends so I would recommend it to other young carers.’’
‘’The best bit was being able to meet new people.’’
‘’The best thing about Kingswood was the other people I got to meet and becoming better friends with the people I already knew.’’
Amongst all the fun of different activities and making new friends the residential also gave the young carers a chance of a break away from their caring role. For some this can be a very daunting prospect however it is important we remember the reason our residentials take place. This means our young carers realise they are not alone in their caring role and others have similar experiences. It was lovely to hear conversations between the children sharing their experiences of being a young carer.
‘’Suffolk Young Carers is the best thing ever they help you understand your parents condition.’’
‘’It’s hard dealing with my brother so it’s good to get away.’’
‘’The residential has helped me because it got me out of the house so it means I don’t have to worry.’’
‘’I would like to come here again because this helps me take my mind of things.’’
It was an absolute pleasure to spend the weekend with the children as they were all fantastically well behaved and should all be proud of what they have achieved. We really hope they have enjoyed their time at Kingswood and have made some really lovely memories.
As the summer holidays have drawn to a close it is now time for the children to have a good night sleep ready for school starting!
Katie, Jess & Keiron
