We ran a monthly social event, each with a different themed activity. This was open to the carers and families of our TEENS+ students, as well as the students themselves. We offered flexible options for attendance/participation.
Creative Companions provided short breaks opportunities to Gypsy/Traveller carers in Edinburgh/Lothians, Perth & Kinross and Argyll. Plans for family days & residentials were severely impacted by COVID-19 & replaced by online activities, afternoon teas, guided pamper sessions and Festive packs.
The project involved taking groups of carers to rural and remote rural parts of Scotland to take part in a supported residential short break. Activities included Forest Walks, Astronomy, Art Workshops, Village Hall Cinema nights, Singing and music, Island tours and exploring the area.
Siblings & Young Carers Camp 2020 was a virtual camp experience for 48 young carers which took place Tuesday 14th – Thursday 16th July 2020. This project brought the magic, connectivity and respite of camp to young carers in Scotland in the safety of their homes during lockdown.
We provided our Star Youth Club which is a specialised youth club provision for young people aged 10-18 years who live in East Lothian and who have a disability.
The club aims to reduce social isolation. Weekly youth clubs are run where the young people can enjoy age appropriate activities .
We delivered The Yards Youth Clubs which are three youth clubs for disabled teenagers between 14-18 yrs.
The clubs meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings for 2.5 hours and work with a maximum of 16 teens to help friendships form, enable positive wellbeing and give the opportunity of independence.
The Saturday Adventure Team provided opportunities for autistic children to get together in a safe and supported environment to have fun, make friends, explore and expand their horizons.
The regular six hour sessions give parents and carers valuable time to do other things at the weekend.
Disabled children and young people use their imagination to create their own musical theatre, developing skills, building confidence, making friends and having fun through the mediums of music, dance and drama.
In April 2019 we held a residential camp, to support disadvantaged children who are living with a chronic illness: either Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis, which is inhibiting their quality of life. Some parents and siblings also participated. The camp was located at Tulliallan Castle in Fife.
We ran a young carers camp in Scotland for the siblings of children who suffer from a serious illness/disability. The camp, which took place at Strathallan School in Perth from 7th – 13th July, gave young carers respite from their caring role and time to grow in self-confidence and make new friends.