To celebrate Young Carers Action Day, Carers First gave young carers and young adult carers (ages 5-25) in Medway the ultimate chance to "Give Me A Break!" Thanks to Carers Trust funding, Carers First hosted a series of FREE sports sessions, giving young carers the opportunity to kick back, have fun, and connect with others - something they don’t get nearly enough of.
The week kicked off with boxing on Tuesday, 18 February, followed by dodgeball on Wednesday, 19 February, and basketball on Thursday, 20 February. These action-packed sessions took place at The Academy of Woodlands, Sports and Arts Centre in Gillingham. Designed for primary, secondary, and young adult carers, the programme allowed them to get active, try something new, and boost their wellbeing.
Young carers who joined in got their hearts pumping, tried out exciting new sports, and built their confidence and resilience. They made new friends, swapped stories, and took a much-needed break from their responsibilities. The best part? The sessions were designed by young carers, for young carers, and lunch was provided!
With only 16 spots available per session, everyone who came along made the most of their well-deserved time out, creating unforgettable memories.
Events like these not only give young carers a break from caring but also offer a chance to have fun, explore their passions, and showcase their skills in a supportive environment. With an estimated one million young carers in the UK aged 5–25, events like this are crucial for providing respite and connection.
Naresh Katnoria, Medway Carers Service Manager and Young Carer Lead, shared her insights on the importance of engaging young carers with innovative activities:
"We offer lots of activities for young carers in Medway, giving them a break, the chance to meet others who get it, and the opportunity to enjoy fun and exciting experiences."
The feedback from the young carers who came along speaks volumes about the impact of these workshops.
One young carer said,
"It’s been so much fun – I enjoyed playing basketball the most!"
The free sports sessions gave young carers the chance to socialise, participate in enjoyable activities, and build meaningful connections - essential for their well-being. These sessions highlighted the importance of creating a strong, supportive community where young carers feel valued and included. They also demonstrate our commitment, as an organisation, to ensuring that young carers have equal access to the same opportunities as everyone else.
Carers First is committed to boosting the wellbeing and resilience of young carers, empowering them to pursue their passions and hobbies while balancing the challenges of their caring role.
Naresh continued: "True support is more than just offering help in times of need; it’s about giving young carers the chance to grow, explore their identity, and create their own stories outside of their caring role."
Another young carer, supported by Carers First, said: "Being a part of Carers First has boosted my confidence and mental health. They helped me embrace being different and encouraged me to follow my dream of acting, even when others didn’t. Carers First helps me focus on what’s best for me and my future."
For young carers, it can be tough to find time to hang out with friends or join in on fun activities. Carers First is dedicated to ensuring young carers have access to the same opportunities as their peers who don’t have a caring role at home.
"Every young carer deserves to experience a world beyond their caring role. Sometimes, all they need is a space where they can be themselves without the weight of caring."
Sessions like these show just how important it is to provide young carers with a chance to live beyond their responsibilities, explore their passions, and build a brighter future for themselves. For more information about Carers First and the support available for carers, visit our local support page.
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