Taste, Togetherness, Transformation: The Meal That Changed Perspectives

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Fraser, the Young Carer Engagement Officer for Carers Trust Wales, who joined us to connect with the young people, understand their circumstances, and explain how her role could support them. Sarah’s work focuses on empowering young and young adult carers and raising their aspirations through three key initiatives:

First, the Young Carers in Schools Challenge aims to empower young carers and create supportive communities within schools. The initiative encourages local services to work closely with schools, helping them identify and support young carers effectively.

Second, the Youth Council amplifies the voices of young carers aged 11-18, enabling them to campaign for change, contribute to youth parliament activities, shape Carers Trust Wales projects, and participate in research. It also fosters the development of skills like communication, teamwork, and confidence.

Finally, the Employability Project raises awareness of young adult carers’ transferable skills and encourages inclusivity in the workplace. This initiative provides training, resources, and opportunities to explore career paths, helping young carers build aspirations and access opportunities post-16.

We look forward to collaborating with Sarah in the future, enabling the young carers we work with to participate in these transformative projects and benefit from the opportunities they provide. This partnership represents an exciting step toward empowering young carers and supporting them to achieve their full potential.

This year’s Young Adult Carers Annual Christmas event was a heart-warming success, full of joy, discovery, and connection. By popular demand, we returned to Nines in Swansea, a global buffet offering a variety of cuisines that catered to everyone’s tastes. For some young carers, this was their first experience trying foods from around the world. One young carer shared their excitement, saying, “This is amazing, I have never seen anything like it!”

Beyond the culinary adventure, the event provided invaluable opportunities for young carers to step away from their responsibilities and immerse themselves in an environment of peer support and friendship. These moments allow young carers to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding that is often hard to find elsewhere.

Such events are more than just a break from routine; they create lasting memories and relationships that remind young carers they are not alone. These connections can help build their confidence and emotional resilience, providing a support network that will benefit them long after the event.

By giving young carers the chance to experience something new and uplifting, we not only celebrate their hard work but also open doors to opportunities and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter due to their caregiving roles or financial challenges.

Supporting the Mental Health of Young Carers, with Coleg Sir Gâr

Being a student brings a host of challenges—financial pressures, moving away from home, managing relationships, and the demands of studying and exams. However, for young carers, these challenges are amplified by the added responsibility of caring for a loved one. Unlike their peers, young carers often have to leave lectures early or spend their days worrying about the person they care for, adding an extra layer of stress to an already demanding life.

Research shows that young carers are more likely to achieve lower grades than their abilities would predict, simply due to the pressures of their caring role. In Wales, statistics confirm that this constant strain takes a toll on their mental health and well-being, with many young carers acknowledging that the burden negatively affects their emotional resilience and ability to focus on their studies.

This is where Carmarthenshire Crossroads Young Carers (CCYC) plays a vital role. The service works closely with schools and colleges to identify young carers early, ensuring they receive the tailored support they need to thrive both academically and personally. A key part of this is our collaboration with the wellbeing team at Coleg Sir Gâr. Together, we ensure that young carers are identified at the earliest opportunity, and we work to provide robust, ongoing support tailored to their individual needs.

CCYC’s dedicated key workers offer one-to-one support, providing a safe space for young carers to talk about their struggles and guiding them in accessing other essential services that can ease their load. Additionally, our group sessions give young carers the chance to connect with peers who share similar experiences, allowing them to discuss their caring roles and unwind from the daily pressures they face. We also organise activities and overnight stays, giving them the rare opportunity to step away from their responsibilities and simply enjoy being young.

As part of our commitment to supporting young carers, we were proud to participate in the Coleg Sir Gâr event on 10th October, celebrating World Mental Health Day. Alongside other organisations, we were there to show young people that we are present when they need us, offering the support they require to thrive both in their caring roles and in their personal lives.

The services provided by CCYC are crucial for young carers in Carmarthenshire. Together with the wellbeing team at Coleg Sir Gâr, we offer a lifeline to those balancing education with the heavy weight of caring, ensuring they are not only seen and supported but also given the opportunity to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.

By offering this essential support, CCYC is helping to uplift a generation of young carers who deserve not only recognition for their dedication but also the chance to reach their full potential.