Young Adult Carers Visit to the Royal Welsh Show: A Day of Discovery and Fun

On July 24th, seven Young Adult Carers (YACs) aged 16-22 had the opportunity to visit the Royal Welsh Show Ground in Builth Wells. This event, known for its grand displays of agriculture, livestock, and rural life, offered our young carers a much-needed break from their demanding responsibilities. Accompanied by three staff members, the YACs embarked on what turned out to be a memorable and enriching experience.

The day began early, with the first pick-up at 7:25 a.m., requiring our staff to leave home even earlier. For some, this early start was challenging, but the anticipation of the day ahead kept spirits high. The journey was long, and the last of the group didn’t return home until after 7 p.m., making it a full day out for everyone involved.

Despite the early start and long day, the weather was kind to us. The day was mostly dry and warm, creating the perfect conditions to explore the vast array of outdoor attractions at the show. Upon arrival, the sheer scale of the event left many of the YACs in awe. The Royal Welsh Show is renowned for its expansive grounds filled with activities and exhibits, and it didn’t disappoint.

Throughout the day, the YACs experienced a variety of displays, including tractor shows, dog obedience demonstrations, and an array of livestock exhibitions. They marveled at the sight of cows with their calves, sheep with their lambs, and the impressive prize bulls. The show ponies and horses also captivated the group, as did the abundance of other rural attractions that highlighted the rich agricultural heritage of Wales.

A professional cameraman accompanied our group to capture these moments, helping us document the experiences of young carers. This footage will be valuable in raising awareness about the challenges these young people face and the importance of providing them with opportunities to enjoy life beyond their caring roles.

After overcoming the initial overwhelm of the event’s scale, the YACs quickly relaxed and made the most of their day. The event provided not just entertainment but also a sense of escape and enjoyment, which is so vital for young carers who often carry heavy responsibilities at home.

In all, the trip to the Royal Welsh Show was a resounding success. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and relaxation—a perfect reminder of the joy that can be found in taking a break and experiencing something new.

A huge thank you to the Royal Welsh for the generosity in providing the tickets.

ITV – Wales this Week: Too Young to Care?

We are proud to announce that a young carer from Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales featured in ITV’s weekly Wales this Week show called “Too Young to Care?”. The show sheds light on the reality that more than 11,000 children in Wales care for a family member. The latest episode highlights the immense responsibilities these young carers shoulder and the urgent need for more support to ease their burden and safeguard their wellbeing.
At Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales, through our Young Carers Service we support children and young people with 1:1 support, opportunities to meet other young carers, and attend trips and activities that might otherwise be unavailable to them. Since 2015 we have supported almost 1000 children and young people in Carmarthenshire. We believe that children and young people need time away from their caring role to be children, decompress, and thrive.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, our service is crucial for these young carers. However, this funding expires next year. The show underscores the importance of continued support and investment to ensure these young carers can continue receiving the help they need.
Tune in to ITV to watch these inspiring young individuals share their stories and advocate for much-needed change.