The Group Worker's Story
A weekly group isn't just about providing a space where young carers can relax and have fun - it is about creating an environment of trust.
When young people come to the group they leave behind their identity of 'carer' and allow themselves to be children, enjoying the kind of activities that all other children enjoy. But given the right kind of encouragement and support they can also begin to talk about their feelings and experiences.
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The Cheltenham Young Carers group was initially a weekly group for young people from around 12 to 16 years but last year it became apparent that there were younger carers coming to the group that had very different needs. So the 'junior' group was launched and now the two groups run alternate weeks. But the Group Workers realised that while there is a need to separate the younger children from the older children, there can also be benefits to bringing the two groups together. So that's what they do - every Christmas or half term a joint party is held. Polly, one of the team of three group workers employed to run Cheltenham Young Carers, says: "The young people who come to our group come from very different backgrounds and can be caring for a sibling or a parent. They come with different needs but by mixing with other young carers they find they can relax and, very often, talk about issues relating to their situation" Polly says: " As well as providing a place where the children can play sports, pool, arts and crafts or just chat with friends, we also provide them with guidance in life skills. Many young carers find themselves thrown into day to day tasks at home without any warning and with no one to set an example. We teach them basic skills and that includes preparing food, perhaps showing them how to put a meal together out of the few items they might find in the fridge or on a limited budget." Polly adds: "Above all we find that all the children simply want recognition - recongition for what they do, for what they achieve and for who they are. All children do really." Gloucestershire Young Carers works in partnership with many organisations to deliver the groups and support the work carried out by the groups with additional day trips, events and specialist groups. Gloucestershrire Young Carers co-ordinates the groups, funds the work of the group workers and activities. |
