Young Carers get a well-earned rest

1st October 2012

This summer, young carers from across Sheffield had the chance to enjoy a well-earned rest from their caring responsibilities during the long and often lonely and isolated school summer holidays.

Over 3 three-day residentials, 37 young carers had a fantastic break away from home, enjoying a wonderful holiday at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. As well as lots of time to play, relax and make new friends in similar situations to their own, the young people also took part in an exciting programme of farm and forest school activities, including shelter building, fire making, wild cooking, woodland crafts using tools to make hammers/bows & arrows and willow to weave baskets & dream catchers, as well as learning to map read on a fun but difficult orienteering course around the farm. Being on a working farm, they also had the chance to experience farm life and animal care, collecting chicken eggs, picking strawberries and raspberries, stroking baby chicks, seeing newly-born piglets and grooming horses & ponies. Lots of new experiences for everyone! The groups also enjoyed games, walks, barbecues, movie nights, amazing views across countryside and their city of Sheffield... and a fantastic impromptu dance & singing show put on by some of the younger members of SYC! Feedback included: -Loved the animals -Really good had a real laugh -Made me change my perspective on the foods I eat -Had so much fun with everyone, nice break away, hope to do it again -Best residential ever - thank you everyone  -I wouldn't change a thing The time was a magical escape for the young people who attended and all the staff from SYC want to thank everyone who came for making it such a pleasure to be away with them.