We’re sad to say that summer is nearly over… but what a summer we've had here at Sheffield Young Carers!
We got into the swing of things with a trip to Altitude High Ropes Adventure Course where young carers braved 34 different obstacles including rope bridges, scramble nets and swinging logs before taking the plunge with a 30 foot leap of faith! Lots of fun was had - and screams! - along with some magnificent views over the Steel City.
Quasar was our next adrenaline-filled activity, firing us further into the holidays with a few games of laser-tag! Young carers zapped each other (and SYC staff!), using great teamwork to fire themselves to victory.
Next up was our Family Fun Day in Clumber Park. Members of SYC staff were there to greet young carers and their families, along with a marquee, a picnic and a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Summer of Sport 2018 hosted a variety of sports where young carers challenged their family and friends to archery, football, tennis, volleyball, badminton and table tennis. Others hired bicycles, played in the adventure playground and explored the Discovery Centre, while some just took time to relax and soak up the sun!
Our annual trip to the outdoor swimming pool at Hathersage started with a train ride from Sheffield to Grindleford, where we enjoyed a trek through the beautiful Peak District countryside, before cooling down with a swim – and a splash! – in the pool.
We enjoyed three residential breaks this year, courtesy of Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, a 140 acre working farm sandwiched between Sheffield and the Peak District - the perfect spot for young carers to take a well-deserved break from their caring roles. With incredible views over the Peak District, young carers enjoyed a variety of activities including pony riding, forest activities, traditional woodcraft and the famous SYC BBQ!
We found time for some really useful training this summer too. As part of their caring roles, many young carers have to help with moving and handling tasks. This might include helping the person they care for in and out of bed or helping them up after a fall. Young carers also help to carry shopping and move items around the house. This year, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals ran a ‘manual handling’ training session for young carers at Northern General Hospital where they learned how to do this safely, without hurting themselves or the person they care for. Afterwards, we all went for a delicious meal at Caffe Piazza where the young people told us:
“I felt educated, relaxed and stress relieved”
“I learned how to help people in different ways”.
Last but not least was our Play and Picnic Day at Heeley Institute. Young carers enjoyed playing in the park, climbing the bouldering wall and seeing all their friends from SYC before going back to school for the new term (boo!!).
Sheffield Young Carers would like to thank everyone who made our summer so special and such a great success, not least of all our lovely funders. Here are just one or two quotes from some very happy young carers:
“I enjoyed everything!”
“I made new friends and had a great day out!”
