Taking a Break & Making Memories
A story by Young Carers Crossroads caring for carers Cowal & Bute SCIO
We provided respite, a break and an opportunity for young carers to participate in activities and residentials including: 8 days out, this included, Camp & Trek Skye, Ardroy Outdoor Centre (Lochgoilhead), and Scottish Young Carers Festival in 2022.
What Taking a Break & Making Memories did
Young carers in Cowal & Bute were able to enjoy a summer programme of activities and residential trips which they may otherwise not have been able to access due to their caring responsibilities.
These trips supported the health and well-being of the young carers while building confidence and self-esteem along with reducing loneliness and isolation. The Young Carers were able to build lifelong friendships, this improving their overall wellbeing.
What Young Carers Crossroads caring for carers Cowal & Bute SCIO has learned
We have learned that there is a high demand for young carers to get a break from their caring role in our area. We had the difficult task of having to prioritise our activities due to the high volume of young carers wishing to take part, each activity was over-subscribed.
Through consultation with young carers, we were able to identify new activities they wished to attend. Through partnership working with education, health, social work we have raised awareness and been able to identify hidden young carers.
How Young Carers Crossroads caring for carers Cowal & Bute SCIO has benefitted from the funding
We have strengthened and developed the organisations reputation through awareness raising opportunities, school drop ins, partnership working, trips and activities. Unfortunately, there was stigmas and discrimination attached to the term young carer and we have made significant progress in challenging these views.
Project Outcome
Young carers will have improved social networks and inclusion. We will provide 3 residential activities for 34 young carers in Cowal and Bute aged between 8 and 17. We will provide 8-day trips for young carers aged 8 -17 in Cowal and Bute.
Results
This outcome was fully met. 3 residentials were provided. Ardroy Outdoor Centre in April- 11 Young carers attended for a 2- night residential Youth Beatz festival in June, 6 young carers enjoyed a 1 night residential. Scottish Young Carers festival in August, 13 young carers enjoyed a 2-night residential. Day trips were provided as part of Crossroads summer programme. 115 young carers were taking part in activities including boat trips, Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Monty's farm park, Swimming soft play, Trampoline parks and Benmore outdoor centre activities, beach days and cinema trips.
Case study
One young carer was anxious, nervous and worried about attending Ardroy outdoor centre for 2 nights residential. This young carer had not had an overnight stay away from their cared for person. With encouragement and support from staff this young person attended the residential, this young person gained tremendous confidence and self-esteem and built friendships and support from other young carers. This young carer felt very proud of her achievement and was delighted she had pushed herself out with her comfort zone and thoroughly enjoyed her residential experience. She met knew people and learned new skills and is keen to be able to attend another in the future. She stated " I've had the best time"
Additional project outcome
74 young carers in Cowal and Bute will take part in activities providing an opportunity for a break for caring. develop social networks and improve wellbeing. Infact the programme provided opportunities for 145 young carer
Case study
One young carer was fearful to take part in the boat trip activity. Thier mum was keen for the young carer to be involved as she appreciated the value in the activity. With support and encouragement this young person took part and stated, "That was amazing, can we do that again next year?"
Funded Organisation
Young Carers Crossroads caring for carers Cowal & Bute SCIOVisit Young Carers Crossroads caring for carers Cowal & Bute SCIO's website