Making Memories Programme

LIKE ALL OF US, AND IN FACT, MORE THAN MOST, YOUNG CARERS NEED TO BE ABLE TO TAKE TIME FOR THEMSELVES NOW AND AGAIN

 

But in the midst of their caring responsibilities, this is time that young carers often struggle to find. MYTIME works to carve out that precious time for young carers.

zorbing-boy-600-400

Our Making Memories Programme PROVIDES young carers with opportunities to make special memories

Young carers can come under enormous pressures, and because their caring roles can be so all-consuming, they are often unable to counterbalance these with hobbies or with time for themselves. This can result in high stress levels and poor mental health and can leave young carers lacking any real sense of self. In addition to this, the young carers we serve tell us that children without caring responsibilities are generally unable to imagine or understand their situation, and that as a result, young carers often feel isolated. Lack of identity, ineffective or limited support networks and poor mental health can all have profound and lasting impact on a young person's daily life and future prospects.

Our Making Memories Programme does what it says on the tin: it's all about providing young carers with opportunities to make special memories with great friends. Through our fun and enriching activity days, residential retreats and online youth group sessions, young carers are able to take much-needed breaks from their caring responsibilities, to experience new things and to come together as a community with other young carers.

Learn more about how you can support our Making Memories day programmes below.

Addressing the Need

National data available around young carers suggests that:

80-Icon

Mental Health
Arrow Flip v2

feel that their caring role has impacted their mental health 1

48-Icon

Stress
Arrow Flip v2

feel stressed because of their caring responsibilities 2

80-Icon

Leisure Activities
Arrow Flip v2

feel that their participation in leisure activities has suffered as a result of their caring responsibilities 1

72-Icon

Loneliness
Arrow Flip v2

of the estimated 700,000 part-time carers under the age of 18 report feeling lonely 3

80-Icon

Isolation
Arrow Flip v2

of young carers have felt more alone than usual since the pandemic 4

59-Icon

No Downtime
Arrow Flip v2

of them weren't able to take a break from their caring responsibilities during lockdowns 4

1 The Children’s Society
2
Carer’s Trust
3 Research carried out by Action for Children and Carers Trust
4
Caring Together

 

Programme overview

Download our report to learn more about our
Making Memories programme

Making Memories Thumb v2

Testimonials

"Today has been the most fun I have had in a long time. It's nice to have a break and get to know other young carers." ~ Dani, aged 13

“I enjoy the online youth group activities. They help me to connect with other children in the same boat as me” ~ Joe, aged 8

“Sometimes people don’t understand what we do and they judge us. That’s when we get bullied. But here, everyone understands.” ~ Chloe, aged 11

The Making Memories programme has been developed especially for young carers aged 5 – 18


The aims of the programme are to:


arrow-right-triangle-blk  Provide young carers with much-needed breaks from their caring responsibilities, and thus to help reduce their stress levels

arrow-right-triangle-blk  Create a strong sense of community among young carers and reduce feelings of loneliness

arrow-right-triangle-blk  Offer young carers new experiences, thus allowing them to build a sense of identity and to develop a range of life skills

What we offer

500x380 yc zyg

MAKING MEMORIES
ZOOM YOUTH GROUP

 

Learn More

These weekly online sessions for young carers aged 5 and above feature activities ranging from arts and crafts to baking to themed parties. Sessions allow young carers to relax and have fun, all from within their own home.

Zoom Groups

500x380 activity

MAKING MEMORIES
ACTIVITY DAYS

 

Learn More

Hosted during school holidays, these action-packed days give young carers a chance to try new things. From rock-climbing to archery, from cookery to ice-skating, there's a whole range of activities to take part in.

Activity Days

MyTime Adventure Pirate Day 23.12.20-1324

MAKING MEMORIES
RESIDENTIAL RETREATS


Learn more

Created especially for young carers, these retreats take place several times a year. Young carers spend 3 days at our amazing accommodation centre on the Jurassic Coast and take part in a variety of activities with other young carers.

Residential Retreat

500x380 employability

EMPLOYABILITY
PROGRAMME


Learn more

An 8-week course designed specifically for young carers aged 16 – 25, offering practical tools, workshops and guidance from experts to support and help young carers access further education, training or employment.

Employability

Testimonials

"Today is a break from home - I love days like this. I get to meet other young carers and I feel like I belong." Emily, aged 7

“I love MYTIME and all the people that do the sessions. They make me feel like as a young carer I’m doing a good job” ~ Ben, aged 12

“Being a young carer sometimes makes me feel frustrated because everything’s on me. I’m quick to get angry and I think that’s why. Days like today help me to relax.” ~ Amira, aged 9

Learn More

More Information
If you are a parent or young carer who would like to sign up to attend our activity days, our online youth group sessions or residential retreats, or if you would like to support this programme, please contact