A summer camp aimed at supporting young people who care for a relative has been run for the first time since the Coronavirus pandemic, with local youngsters getting to grips with circus skills, dancing, fancy hair and face painting, organised and run by North East Lincolnshire Council.
There are around 800,000 children and young people in England who care for a relative. This means that they regularly provide practical or emotional support and assistance to a family member that is either disabled, has mental health illness, is physically unwell, or has drug or alcohol dependency.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Young Carers project team support children and young people aged between 6 and 18.
51 young carers from across the borough attended the camp, which took place at Cherry Garth campsite.
The Young Carers project, which ran the camp, offers 1-to-1 support to every young carer living in the area, and provides drop-in sessions every four to six weeks. The team also offer groups, peer sessions and trips or young carers, giving them a chance to relax and make new friends.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“This camp is a great opportunity for some of our young carers to let their hair down and enjoy being a child – something that many of them won’t necessarily get to do at home.
“Our fantastic young carers team have done a lot of work to make this camp happen again, and they really wanted it to be memorable for the young people.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those officers who helped make it a success. The fact that over 50-young people attended really is great.
“These are children who might be responsible for cleaning, cooking, and raising other siblings. They may even be responsible for administering medication to relatives.
“It’s important that our young carers know about the service and know that they can access support.”
The Young Carers were taught circus skills by Earthbound Misfits, made bug houses with Grimsby in Bloom, dressed-up in the photo booth, had a dance class with Centre4, glitter tattoos, festival hair and face paints by Levi and a delicious BBQ cooked and provided by Grimsby Rotary Club.
The Council’s Youth Bus and Duke of Edinburgh Award Team also supported the event with staff, tents, and other equipment.
If you know a young person who is caring for a family member and could benefit from some additional support, contact the Young Carers Project on 01472 323231.
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