Carers Week is a national campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

This year (11-17 June) we organised a whole host of events for both the young carers and families we support and the individuals and organisations who help us to identify and support them. We encouraged schools to deliver assemblies to identify young carers who need help, raised awareness in Sheffield city centre with our partners Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield on the HEPPSY bus at the top of Fargate on Friday 15 June – and much more.

But the highlight of our week was most definitely the exclusive party we threw for young carers and their families at Jump INC Sheffield on Monday 11th June, to recognise the hard work and dedication that young carers offer their families each and every day. Thanks to generous support from Jump INC Sheffield, Porsche Sheffield, The Star and the Westfield Health Charitable Trust, it was a party to remember!

With pizza and ice-cream, art and craft activities, beautiful sports cars to peruse and a relaxation area for parents, there was something for everybody at the trampoline park. Every young carer received a special Carers Week goody bag too which contained relaxation tips and techniques, information about where to find additional support, and vouchers and various other gifts from Jump INC Sheffield.

For most of the families, it was a very rare chance to relax and have some fun away from their complex home lives. Parents described the party as “absolutely brilliant” and “the best time we’ve had in ages” and one young carer said, “Can you invite me if you have any more parties please? I’ll DEFINITELY come!”.

Here are just a few photo highlights from the party: