A schedule of free summer activities for young carers has just been rolled out by Carer Support Wiltshire. Young people who look after or help to look after someone else are invited to book their places now.
Carer Support Wiltshire supports carers of all ages in the county. A young carer is defined as anyone aged 5-16yrs who has caring responsibilities. They might be supporting a parent, sibling or grandparent who has an illness, a learning or physical disability, or misuse of drugs or alcohol.
A young carer usually takes on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities – this might include cooking, cleaning, shopping, giving medication, or just talking and helping when the person who needs additional support is feeling low. However, caring roles can look very different and a young carer might be doing different things too.
Celina is a young carer who has been looking after her mum since the age of 11. Her mum has cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia and some mental health issues. Celina says, “I help mum get out of bed and I clean the house. I take my siblings out and about when needed. I’m there for my mum when she’s having a bad day.
“Carer Support Wiltshire have been supporting me for about six years. They’ve helped me with getting out as I have bad anxiety and have helped me find funding to finish my college course. They got my younger siblings the help they needed as young carers, and I’ve met other people in a similar boat to me at their young carer cafes.”
Taking on what are often adult responsibilities and helping a family member or friend can be a really positive thing for young people. Young carers are often responsible, empathetic, thoughtful and all-round amazing!
However, it’s important they have adults to talk to who understand and support them, and make sure things aren’t becoming too much for them. Without support, young carers can feel isolated from their peers, they can miss more school days than other children and struggle with things like homework and getting to school on time.
Carer Support Wiltshire have a Young Carer Team who exclusively provide support to young people and families. 1-2-1 support is available to young carers, and there is also a dedicated Family and Parent Carer Worker who can provide information for the whole family on a range of topics. The team can be contacted on 0800 181 4118 or email email hidden; JavaScript is required
If you’d like to find out more about what it means to be a young carer, visit www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/young-carers You can also find out more about registering as a young carer. Once registered, carers will be sent details of events, will receive a regular young carer magazine and will be able to access any other support needed.
Below are details of the summer activities taking place for young carers. All are free, although transport to and from an event cannot be provided. Spaces are limited, so contact Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118 or email email hidden; JavaScript is required to book as soon as possible.
Creative writing workshop
Thursday 27th July, 2pm – 4.30pm
Stanley Park Sports Ground – Chippenham
Age: 14+
Calling all aspiring writers and imaginative minds! Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey of words and imagination? Join our fun Creative Writing Workshop and discover the power of storytelling.
Refreshments, stationery, and materials provided.
Wiltshire Wildlife Wild Day Out
Friday 4th August, 11am – 2pm
Biss wood Near Trowbridge (Greenlane Woodland Complex)
Age: 5 to 11
Calling all Wild adventures, join us for a fun few hours of woodland activities with our friends at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Please bring a packed lunch.
Cooking
Tuesday 8th August & Wednesday 9th August, 3pm – 4pm
Online
Age: 8 to 11
Calling all young aspiring chefs and food explorers! Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure in our Fun Cookery Session designed especially for young carers like you! Join us from the comfort of your own home as we embark on a culinary journey filled with flavours, creativity, and laughter.
All Ingredients will be sent by post before the session.
Wiltshire Wildlife Wild Day Out
Wednesday 9th August, 1pm – 4pm
Lower Moor Farm (SN16 9TW) is located in North Wiltshire
Age: 11+
This one is for all the eco warriors. A stunning mosaic of lakes, ponds, wildflower meadows, woodland and ancient hedges that support a huge range of plant and animal species awaits you to explore and give you the opportunity to find out more about your local environment.
First aid
Thursday 10th August, 10am – 4.30pm
Wiltshire Council Offices, Trowbridge, Cotswold Room
Age: 11+
Attention all future lifesavers! Learn vital skills and become a certified hero with our specially designed First Aid Course for young carers. Gain the knowledge and confidence to handle emergency situations like a pro, making a real difference in times of need. Plus, it’s a great addition to your CV. Refreshments provided.
Young adult carer cafe
Friday 11th August, 11am – 12.30pm
Emmanuel’s Yard Trowbridge
Age: 16+
Join our young adult carer cafe designed specifically for young adult carers. Connect, share, and grow together with peers who understand the unique challenges young adult carers face. Activities and refreshments provided.
Young adult carer cafe
Tuesday 15th August, 11am – 12.30pm
Grounded, Chippenham
Age: 16+
Join our young adult carer cafe designed specifically for young adult carers. Connect, share, and grow together with peers who understand the unique challenges young adult carers face. Activities and refreshments provided.
Family picnic – all welcome.
Wednesday 16th August, 10.30am – 12pm
Hillworth Park, Devizes
Age: All welcome
Join our young carer and family support team for a relaxed and fun picnic in the park, we will even provide the ice cream! Bring a picnic – free ice cream. No booking required.
First aid
Thursday 17th August, 10am – 4.30pm
Old Sarum Community Centre, Pheasant Dr, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6GH
Age: 11+
Attention all future lifesavers! Learn vital skills and become a certified hero with our specially designed first aid course for young carers. Gain the knowledge and confidence to handle emergency situations like a pro, making a real difference in times of need. Plus, it’s a great addition to your CV. Refreshments provided.
Wiltshire Wildlife Wild Day Out
Monday 21st August, 11am – 2pm
Langford Lakes, Salisbury, SP3 4NH
Age: 5 to 11
Langford is a stunning nature reserve in South Wiltshire with an amazing abundance of wildlife and a range of varied habitats. Join us for a wild time exploring the ‘River’s Tale’ to discover the river’s creatures and mini beasts. Please bring a packed lunch.
Young adult carer cafe
Tuesday 22nd August, 11am – 12.30pm
Salisbury Cathedral Refectory
Age: 16+
Join our young adult carer cafe designed specifically for young adult carers. Connect, share, and grow together with peers who understand the unique challenges young adult carers face. Activities and refreshments provided.
Cooking
Tuesday 29th August, 10.30am-11.45am & 1pm – 2.15pm
Old Sarum Community Centre, Pheasant Dr, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6GH
Age: 8 to 11 (morning session) & 11+ (afternoon session)
Calling all young aspiring chefs and food explorers! Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure in our fun cookery session designed especially for young carers like you! Join us as we embark on a culinary journey filled with flavours, creativity, and laughter. All Ingredients and equipment supplied.
Cooking
Wednesday 30th August, 10.30am-11.45am & 1pm – 2.15pm
Pewsham Community Centre, Lodge Rd, Chippenham, SN15 3SY
Age: 8-11 (morning session) & 11+ (afternoon session)