This weekend (24-26 June), young carers from across the country gathered at the Young Carers Festival hosted by the YMCA Fairthorne Manor, near Botley. The gathering is the world’s largest for children and young people with a caring responsibility.
Started in 2000 by YMCA and The Children’s Society, the festival provides youngsters with some respite from their caring responsibilities. Festival goers enjoy live music, exciting adventure activities, fairground rides and an eclectic mix of workshops.
The event also provides young carers with the opportunity to have their voice heard by policy makers such as Children’s Commissioner, Anne Longfield, and share experiences with other young people in a similar position.
The 1,200 young people at the three-day event represent just a fraction of the 166,363 children in England caring for their parents, siblings and family members according to a report on young carers from The Children’s Society. Hampshire alone is home to at least 2,934 children and teens under 18-years-old who care for a loved one.
Chris Hand, Chief Executive of YMCA Fairthorne Group, said: “We believe that the festival is the largest event of its kind in the world and it is one of the highlights of the year at YMCA Fairthorne Manor. Through our partnership with The Children’s Society, we enable young people who often shoulder enormous responsibility, the chance to let their hair down and enjoy a weekend of much needed fun, relaxation and respite.
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, added: “The Young Carers Festival is now 17 years old, with young carers attending who were not even born when it started back in 2000. This is a sobering thought as it highlights the thousands of children and teenagers who are still hidden from society’s view.
“As well as offering much-needed respite, we hope that the festival will bring together young people and decision-makers, like the Children’s Commissioner who is attending this year, to create social change so that no young person has to choose between caring for a loved one and having a childhood.”
Celebrity entertainment over the weekend included a performance by X-factor and I’m a celebrity star Jake Quickenden and ex-Great British Bake Off finalist Kimberly Wilson judged the cake decorating contest (Cakes donated by: Heygates of Northampton).
YMCA Fairthorne Group operates throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and has developed rapidly since it was formed in 2002. As a local community charity, it supports more than 40,000 children, young people and families every year.
ENDS
For more information, interviews, photos please contact:
Chrissie Heaver of YMCA Fairthorne Group
Office: 01489 785 228
Notes to Editors:
- The charity is building its role as a community resource and has developed a range of family-orientated programmes open to all
- YMCA has been delivering quality childcare and outdoor programmes at Fairthorne Manor for over 70 years
- YMCA Fairthorne Group believes that every child and young person is entitled to enjoy the benefits that the YMCA can offer