A series of special activities has given Lincolnshire’s young carers a fun-filled time over the school holidays.
A young carer is someone under the age of 18, who is supporting a person due to illness, addiction or disability. They may be living with that person or supporting a friend or grandparent. Around 1 in 12 young people is a young carer. In Lincolnshire, we are aware of over 3,000 young carers but know there are likely to be lots we don’t know about yet.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “Our young carers are some of the most extraordinary young people you will ever meet. Sometimes it can be difficult for them to enjoy the school holidays like other children their age. So, councillors decided to fund some special activities over the summer to make sure they didn’t miss out on all the fun.
“This was an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from their caring responsibilities, have a good time and make new friends. The feedback from the young carers and their families has been overwhelmingly positive, and it clearly made a real difference to their holidays. I’m so pleased we were able to give them a summer to remember.”
Activities included a fantastic day out at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where they encountered a wide variety of amazing animals, including giraffes, polar bears, meerkats and so many more. There was also an exciting day at Wild Pines Park, where they challenged themselves on the high-rope courses, had fun playing crazy golf, and learnt how to shoot a bow and arrow.
A day out to Tattershall Farm Park, was an opportunity to meet and feed animals and walk llamas, followed by go-karting and a foam party. And, for our mini young carers, there was a special session at The Bud Robinson Family Centre, where they spent the morning creating clay masterpieces, playing giant floor games and painting rocks and door hangers.
To find out how the Lincolnshire Young Carers Service supports young carers up to the age of 19, go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers/young-carers. For information about Lincolnshire Young Carers, email youngcarers@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 553275.