Windsor and Maidenhead Young Carers Service celebrated Young Carers Action Day with a fun and creative Clay Monster workshop at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts. With this year’s theme, “Give Me a Break”, a group of 22 young carers took time away from their caring responsibilities to create their own unique clay monsters – each representing how they like to unwind and relax.
The young carers expressed their ideas on what taking a break means to them. One young carer shared,
It’s been fun because I never get to make things out of clay. It’s been nice to think about how me and my monster can have a break.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for young carers to connect with others who share similar experiences. As one child put it, “It’s been really good to be here, because I got to talk to other people and relate to them, because we all look after other people.” Another participant added,
It was easy to connect with the other young carers. I usually find it hard to make friends.
Sarah Collin, Family Action Young Carers Service Manager, highlighted the importance of these events:
Young carers take on an incredible amount of responsibility at home, and it’s vital they have opportunities like this to relax, have fun, and be around others who understand their experiences. It was a pleasure to host school groups from across our local authority, as we know that caring can often feel isolating.
We want to say a huge thank you to Norden Farm for generously donating this workshop and to our creative instructor Helen Evans for leading such an inspiring and engaging session. Judging by their wonderful creations, the little monsters – and their makers – had a fantastic time. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this day so special for our young carers.
