Jamie's story: pause, play, connect - game on

Jamie's story: pause, play, connect - game on

Jamie is a young carer supporting their mother, who experiences poor mental health. With their grandparents living over an hour away, Jamie takes on many of the day-to-day responsibilities at home. The emotional demands of caring, combined with the isolation that can often accompany the role, had begun to affect their own wellbeing.

Through conversations with their local young carers' organisation, Jamie spoke about their love of gaming and how it provided a valuable escape from the pressures of caring. Together, they explored ways to support Jamie’s wellbeing, and they successfully applied for a Time to Live microgrant.

The grant enabled Jamie to purchase a gaming console and games, something that has had a profound impact on their mental health and wellbeing, while also helping them reconnect with friends.

“This has allowed me to take time to myself away from my caring role, while staying at home and at times that suit me. It’s also helped me reconnect with my friends, easing the feelings of isolation I’ve been experiencing.”

Jamie now regularly plays online with friends and uses 'voice chat' to stay connected. What was once a solitary experience has become a source of friendship, laughter and belonging.

“My friends have said they’ve spoken to me more in the last few months than they have in the last few years, and the grant made that possible.”

Having the opportunity to switch off from their caring responsibilities - even for a short while - has made a significant difference to Jamie’s wellbeing. Gaming has given them a space to relax, socialise and simply be a teenager.

“I was able to buy the console, and the connection it’s given me back to my friends has been life changing. Sometimes we just talk nonsense, but it gives me a chance to relax and feel like a normal teenager again."

Thanks to the Time to Live microgrant, Jamie has found a meaningful way to balance their caring role with their own needs, improving their emotional wellbeing and reducing the isolation they had been experiencing. Sometimes, something as simple as a gaming console can make a life-changing difference.

Find out more about Time to Live here.