Summary
We were able to provided a varied programme of activities and opportunities for young carers across the summer and beyond. Our programme was designed to give young carers opportunities to have fun, build confidence, develop friendships, try new experiences and, more importantly, have time away from their caring responsibilities. Activities included a Picnic in the Park, outdoor swimming and a visit to the Chippy, a visit to Cormorachan Croft, soft play & Lunch , and a cinema trip with lunch in Cowal and Bute We also provided two days at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre, allowing us to accommodate larger numbers and give more young carers the opportunity to participate. Our final group activity for the summer was a day trip to Ettrick Bay beach, which was particularly successful, with 30 young carers and all staff attending. This provided a valuable opportunity for young carers to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, swim in the sea, and playing beach games, strengthen relationships within the group. We also supported young carers to access a number of residential experiences. Young carers attended the Young Carers Festival, providing them with the opportunity to meet other young carers from across Scotland, take part in activities and share experiences with their peers. Our primary school-aged young carers attended a three- night residential at Hopscotch, while our secondary school-aged young carers took part in a four-night residential stay at Loch Eil Outward Bound. The residential experience provided young people with opportunities to challenge themselves, develop independence, build resilience and experience activities that may otherwise have been inaccessible to them. We also recognised the transition into adulthood by providing dedicated opportunities for our young adult carers. They enjoyed an overnight spa break at Portavadie and a city break in Glasgow. These experiences provided much-needed time away from caring responsibilities, promoted wellbeing and independence, and gave young adult carers the opportunity to socialise and enjoy positive experiences with their peers. Overall, the funding enabled us to provide a broad and inclusive programme of activities tailored to different age groups and needs. The opportunities provided positive experiences, encouraged social connection, supported wellbeing and helped young carers to have time where they could simply be young, have fun and enjoy experiences alongside their peers.
What Crossroads Young carers Cowal and Bute SCIO has learned
Through delivering the project, we have learned a number of valuable lessons about how short breaks can be designed and delivered effectively for young carers.
One of the main learning points has been the importance of keeping activities as local as possible. The rurality of the areas we cover can make transport a significant barrier for young carers, and travelling to activities can take up a considerable amount of their break. By offering activities closer to where young carers live, we have been able to reduce travel time and make it easier for them to attend. This has also helped make the breaks more accessible and manageable for young carers and their families.
Flexibility has also been an important part of successful delivery. We have found that young carers may sometimes need to cancel at short notice due to their caring responsibilities or because of how they are feeling on the day. Having a reserve list has worked particularly well, as it allows us to offer places to other young carers and helps ensure that spaces are not left unused. This has made the programme more responsive to the unpredictable nature of young carers’ lives.
Transport has been an ongoing challenge, particularly when access to a suitable minibus has been limited. This has sometimes affected our ability to organise activities further afield. However, a positive development has been Dunoon Grammar School purchasing a minibus which they are allowing us to use. This has provided us with a more reliable transport option and has increased the range of activities and opportunities we can offer.
We have also learned that the timing of our summer programme can have a significant impact on attendance. Initially, we started the programme during the first week of the school holidays. However, we found that attendance was lower at this time. We have since learned that starting the programme around the middle of the school holidays results in more young carers attending.
Overall, the project has reinforced the importance of making short breaks accessible, flexible and responsive to the needs of young carers. Keeping activities local, having a reserve list, improving access to transport and carefully considering the timing of activities have all helped us to increase participation and make the breaks more effective. The project has also highlighted that a flexible approach is essential, as young carers’ circumstances can change at short notice and programmes need to accommodate this wherever possible.
Impact on beneficiaries
Taking part in our activities made a significant difference to the wellbeing and experiences of our young carers. Many of the activities provided them with valuable time away from their caring responsibilities, allowing them to relax, have fun and enjoy being with other young people who understand their experiences.
The programme helped young carers to build confidence, develop friendships, try new things and become more independent. The Residential trips and outdoor activities, in particular, gave young carers opportunities to challenge themselves, develop new skills and experience success outside of their usual home and school environments. For some young carers, these were experiences they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to access.
The activities also helped to reduce feelings of isolation and being different. Spending time with other young carers helped them to realise that they are not alone in their caring role and gave them opportunities to talk, share experiences and form supportive friendships. The Young Carers Festival and residential opportunities were particularly valuable in creating these connections.
Having regular opportunities for respite also had a positive impact on young carers' emotional wellbeing. They were able to take a break from the pressures and responsibilities associated with caring, enjoy themselves and return home feeling refreshed and positive.
The benefits also extended to the people they care for and to families as a whole. When young carers had opportunities to take a break from their caring responsibilities, this provided respite for the young person and their family, while also giving parents, siblings or other cared-for family members time to access their own support, rest or activities. Young carers returning home happier, more confident and with positive experiences to share also had a positive effect on family relationships.
For our young adult carers, the opportunities to experience an overnight spa break and a city break were particularly important in supporting their independence, confidence and transition into adulthood. These experiences allowed them to focus on their own wellbeing and aspirations while still recognising and valuing their caring role.
Overall, the funding enabled us to provide young carers with opportunities to have fun, make friends, build confidence, experience new things and have a much-needed break from caring. It supported them to feel valued and recognised as young people in their own right, while the respite provided wider benefits for their families and the people they care for.