At Action for Family Carers, we know how important it is for Young Carers to have time for themselves – time to laugh, relax, and just be kids. Many miss out on experiences other children take for granted, like trips to the zoo or a simple holiday. That’s why our Young Carer Clubs are such a vital lifeline, giving them space to have fun, make friends, and enjoy being children.
Our clubs give children and young people who care for a family member the chance to:
✔ Get a break from their caring role in a safe and supportive environment
✔ Take part in fun activities like crafts, cooking, games, and special trips
✔ Meet others who understand what it’s like to be a Young Carer
✔ Build confidence, make new friends, and simply enjoy being themselves
During the school holidays, these clubs really shine and our recent event at the Colchester Young Carer Club was a perfect example. Thanks to the incredible support of Colchester Rotary Club, we were able to invite Rocky’s Petting Zoo to spend the day with us and the smiles said it all!
Young Carers got the chance to hold and feed animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, goats, and even a bearded dragon. For many, this was a brand-new experience—and it meant the world.
Here’s what some of the Young Carers had to say:
🐾 “I really liked the animals, I want to do it again, thank you Michelle!” Charlie, aged 8
🐾 “I liked the animals – the small snake and the guinea pigs were my favourites.” Chloe, aged 11
🐾 “I loved holding the guinea pigs and rabbit and the bearded dragon.” Reegan, aged 12
🐾 “I really liked the ducks and goats.” Jacob, aged 12
Our Club Lead Michelle told us:
“It was a lovely day and everything went so well. I would like to express a very big thank you to the Colchester Rotary Club for paying for this to be able to happen.”
Experiences like this are about more than just fun. They help Young Carers feel valued, give them a break from the pressures of caring, and create happy memories that last a lifetime. With 72% of Young Carers reporting feelings of loneliness, days like this also help them connect with others who understand, forming friendships that can change their lives.
We can only make this happen with the support of our donors. If you or your business would like to help more Young Carers enjoy unforgettable moments like this, please get in touch or donate today:
👉 https://affc.org.uk/support-us/
Together, we can give Young Carers the childhood experiences they deserve and memories they’ll treasure forever.
