The 21st of November is Young Carers Rights Day, a day that raises awareness on young carers, their rights, and the struggles that they go through.
At the Renewal Programme, we launched our Young Carers project over a year ago, this runs as part of our Youth project, and is in partnership with Age UK East London and Subco Trust. Over the last year, we have been able to support around 250 young carers!
Our project aims
- To provide a relevant and inclusive offer for young carers in Newham, supporting them to be healthy and ready for adult life.
- To provide information and advice as well as fun activities in school holidays for young carers aged 5-17 in Newham.
- A change for young carers to have a break from their caring role and to meet other young carers who are in a similar situation.
- A place where young carers can have fun and support each other in a safe environment.
- Promote the personal and social development of young people in positive activities.
- Improve self-confidence and personal development and raise aspiration and motivation
How we help
One way that we reach our project aims and support young carers is with our weekly library sessions, holiday programmes, community events and trips. Our weekly sessions run three times a week at East Ham Library (Mondays & Wednesdays) and the Shipman Youth Centre (Tuesdays), and involve arts & crafts, sports, smoothie making and more! You can find a full timetable on our Newham Young Carers Project Page.
We also hold trips for young carers, over the last year, these have included, skiing, bowling, laser tag and a trip to Fairplay house!
“One of our trips to laser tag, we had done over the 6 week holiday, it was the best day of my life” – Young Carer
