Young Carers Action Day, organised and led by Carers Trust, falls on 12 March and provides an opportunity for everyone to call for better support for Young Carers.
This year’s theme, ‘Give Me A Break’, highlights the important need for Young Carers to have time to rest and recharge while also calling on schools and employers to provide better support.
Carers First, a network partner of Carers Trust, support young people aged 5-18 who are in a caring role in Merton, and recently hosted a series of events celebrating Young Carers Action Day.
On 18 February Merton’s Young Carers participated in a puppetry workshop in collaboration with the Polka Theatre, aimed at primary school age participants.
Avril Doyle, Carers First Service Manager for Merton, said: “The Young Carers were focused on designing and creating their puppets, and once their puppets were made, they had the opportunity to perform a short sketch to their peers, using a wooden puppetry theatre. All the Young Carers thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and were excited to take their puppets home to show their loved ones.”
One attendee said: "I am so excited to go home and show my mum the puppet I made!”
Another added: "I don't get to do much making at home, so this is really fun!"
Merton’s Young Carers also took part in a drama workshop for Young Carers aged 11 plus.
Avril said: “They played some introductory games focusing on their confidence and ability to work in teams. After this, the Young Carers worked in pairs to create their own slapstick comedy sketch.
“The final challenge involved Young Carers working in two groups to create a scene of their own, based on five random words. These scenes were then performed to their peers. All the Young Carers enjoyed the workshop, many appearing more confident by the end session.”
One attendee of the drama workshop said: "I don't usually like drama at school, but this was fun!"
Carers First would like to thank the Wimbledon Community Foundation for their generous funding of these events.
To find out more about what support is on offer for Young Carers in Merton, visit the Carers First website at www.carersfirst.org.uk/young-carers.
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