Young Carers Festival 2024

Posted on September 9, 2024September 9, 2024 by Michael Ford

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.

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

Posted on August 13, 2024October 1, 2024 by Michael Ford

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.