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.

Young Carers Shine at the 2024 Young Carers Festival in Wales

A group of dedicated young carers from our community recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Young Carers Festival 2024, held in Llanelwedd at the Royal Welsh Showground. The event, which took place over the weekend, brought together young carers from across Wales for a celebration of their hard work and resilience. Although the festival included camping for several groups, our attendees participated on August 21st as day visitors, allowing them to experience the highlights of the event while returning home the same day.

A Day of Fun, Learning, and Connection

Despite attending for just one day, the experience was packed with engaging activities, workshops, and entertainment tailored to meet the needs of young carers. From outdoor challenges to creative arts sessions, the festival provided our young carers with a much-needed break and the chance to be around others who share similar life experiences.

Empowering Young Carers

In addition to the activities, the festival included informative sessions aimed at empowering young carers and giving them a voice. Workshops focused on mental health, self-care, and practical skills were a key part of the event. Although our group’s time at the festival was brief, they still took part in discussions about the challenges they face and what support they need. Topics such as better access to mental health resources and improved respite services were emphasised.

Building Connections and Community

The festival was more than just a break from daily responsibilities — it was an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of being a young carer. While our group couldn’t stay overnight, the bonds they formed and the shared sense of community left a lasting impression.
Youth worker Michael, who accompanied the group, remarked, “Even though we could only attend for a day, the young carers had an amazing time. It’s important for them to know they’re not alone and that there’s a whole community of people who understand what they’re going through. Events like this help build their confidence and show them how much they’re valued.”

Looking Forward

The 2024 Young Carers Festival may have only been a single day for our group, but its impact will be long-lasting. The attendees returned home with new friendships, positive memories, and a renewed sense of belonging. Our community is proud of these young carers and appreciates the support that events like this provide.

As the role of young carers continues to be recognised, the festival highlighted the ongoing need for increased resources and better support. While our young carers face many challenges, their determination and strength were evident at this year’s festival, reminding us of the importance of continuing to champion their needs and celebrate their contributions.