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.
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.
