Community Unites to Bring Young Carers Summer of Fun

10th September 2014

Some of Sheffield's best-loved institutions have shown their support for young carers this summer by backing an action-packed programme of free events and activities.

Organisations from Sheffield United's Academy to the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative and Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, donated their time, venues and equipment to the programme, which was led by Sheffield Young Carers and the Views of Young Carers Explained (VOYCE) Project. In total, more than 75 young carers and their families received a much-needed break and the chance to have some fun! A young carer is a young person between the ages of 8 and 21 who provides a substantial amount of unpaid care to someone at home with a disability, a long-term illness, mental health and/or substance misuse issues. Young carers often miss out on holiday activities and the chance to make friends and have fun, which is why Sheffield Young Carers' and the VOYCE Project's summer programmes are so important. This year's activities ranged from a sport-themed Family Fun Day at The Sheffield College to an incredible art day courtesy of Museums Sheffield, plus picnics, swimming trips and an underground adventure at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield. Supporters included Chaucer School, the One Health Sharks Sheffield, Museums Sheffield, Sheffield United's Academy, The Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, The Sheffield College and Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. Activities were also attended by a number of high profile visitors including Stacey Hanson, President of Sheffield & District Junior Lawyers Division, Meg Munn MP, Patron of Sheffield Young Carers, and John Bramah, the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. Jamie McDonagh, a player with Sheffield United Under 21s, commented, -We have learnt a lot about young carers over recent months and we were very happy to help with the summer programme. The youngsters support their families really well and it is good for them to get a break. We enjoyed supporting them on their activities. Laura Selby, Deputy Manager at Sheffield Young Carers said, -It's been an incredible summer of fun! We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the amazing organisations that have supported our activities this year they've put a lot of smiles on a lot of young carers' faces.' To find out about more about Sheffield Young Carers Project, please visit www.sheffieldyoungcarers.org.uk or call Katie Borland on 0114 258 4595.