From Nerves to Cloud Nine: A Transformative Summer of Making Memories
18th Oct 2024
This summer, 276 young carers had the chance to step away from their daily responsibilities and create lasting memories through our Making Memories activities, with over 100 joining us for the first time. These experiences were more than just fun-filled days—they provided vital opportunities for young carers to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring for a loved one. By offering much-needed downtime and fostering supportive friendships, our summer activities became a space for young carers to relax, recharge, and feel understood. In this blog, we share their personal stories and reflections from these unforgettable moments.
A Summer of Transformation
Each event we held over summer was a small but significant step in supporting these young individuals. For children like Alyssa, who started the day full of nerves and ended it "on cloud nine", these activities provided something invaluable: the chance to simply be a child. Whether it was the thrill of holding a majestic eagle or the simple joy of making a new friend, these experiences allowed young carers to step out of their usual roles and embrace the carefree moments that all children deserve.
As one young carer expressed, “Being a carer makes me really emotional, I am stressed and worried all the time." These events offer a much-needed break from those emotions, giving young carers the chance to relax and recharge.
From Nerves to Cloud Nine
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for today! Alyssa was very nervous and didn’t want me to leave, but all the staff made her feel so comfortable. Even though she was very quiet and didn’t talk much, she came home so happy and smiling. She even said, ‘I’m so glad I went!’ She was absolutely on cloud nine that she got to hold an eagle and an owl. Thanks again for everything you do.” - Parent of a first-time Making Memories attendee.
This heartfelt message from Alyssa’s parent beautifully captures the magic of our Making Memories events this summer. For many young carers like Alyssa, the summer holidays can often be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Their responsibilities at home don’t take a break when the school bell rings for the last time in July. But thanks to all the carefully planned and thoughtfully executed MYTIME Making Memories events, this summer was different. This summer brought joy, relief, and a sense of community to nearly 300 local young carers who attended.
The Impact Beyond the Day
"I have loved meeting people who are young carers like me, it means we can share experiences and talk about the things we're worried about." — Young carer.
The impact of Making Memories extends well beyond the events themselves. These experiences offer more than just a temporary escape; they provide young carers with opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and social connections. These connections become a crucial source of support and solidarity, reminding them they are not alone in their experiences. This sense of belonging is essential for their mental and emotional health, empowering them to face any challenges with renewed energy and community.
Creating Lasting Memories
"This kind of break makes me so happy, it's the best experience of my life." — Young carer.
As we look back on the summer, we're filled with fond memories of the smiles, laughter, and moments of joy that made our Making Memories days so special. Each activity brought its own excitement, but the real reward is knowing that the experiences shared will continue to bring happiness long after the summer has ended. The connections and fun we had together will be lasting memories to look back on with warmth and pride.
Carrying the Spirit of Summer into the School Year
As the school year beds in and the rhythm of daily life resumes, we carry forward the spirit of Making Memories. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every parent who trusted us with their child, every volunteer who gave their time, every young carer who joined us this summer, and of course, to our generous partners and supporters whose financial support made these events possible.
The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of the Making Memories fun for young carers. By supporting us—whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing our story—you can help us continue creating joyful experiences all year long. Together, we are levelling the playing field for young carers.