For many children, a day at the seaside is simply part of the summer holidays. But for young carers, trips and experiences like these aren’t always easy to come by.
Caring for someone at home can mean missing out on the things their friends might take for granted – days out, holidays and simply having the chance to switch off and be a child.
That’s why our Making Memories Programme is so important.
This summer, 15 young carers from Loughton Young Carers Club enjoyed a special day at Clacton-on-Sea, with sunshine, sea, sand and plenty of smiles. For some, it was their first ever visit to a beach and their first time dipping their toes into the sea.
They also enjoyed the amusement park, thanks to a generous £500 donation from the Essex Freemasons Group, helping make this memorable day possible.
More than just a day out
These trips are about much more than having fun. They give young carers a chance to take a break from their caring responsibilities, spend time with other young people who understand, try new things and create positive memories.
And our Young Carer Clubs provide support all year round. Our club leads aren’t just there to organise activities – they build trusted relationships with young people and provide someone they can talk to openly and honestly about their caring role.
As we head into the colder months, creating these opportunities can become more challenging, with outdoor activities often moving indoors to venues that can be expensive. That’s why support from our community is so important.
We run eight Young Carer Clubs across Essex, and there are lots of ways you can help – whether that’s volunteering your time, fundraising or making a donation.
Get in touch to find out how you can support your local Young Carer Club and help us make more memories for young carers across Essex.
A huge thank you to the Essex Freemasons Group for helping make this special day possible. 💙
