Today’s Young Carers Awareness Day. We work with several groups striving to make a difference in young people’s lives, one of those is the Warwickshire Young Carers’ Project.
They aim to help the lives of young carers in the region by offering free and confidential support. They work with children from the ages of 8, encouraging them to take a break and realise their own dreams.
Chloe was referred to Warwickshire Young Carers as an 8-year-old by her primary school in Rugby.
She was helping to care for her brother with severe autism and other disabilities, giving her limited access to the activities her peers could do. Due to her brother’s high level of need she was very restricted.
Chloe’s recent referral has seen her attend the term-time young carers group, since then she’s been able to go on trips to the cinema, Drayton Manor and discos.
Thanks to a grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation, Chloe and other young carers were given the opportunity to perform music with Bath Philharmonia.
Despite Chloe never playing a musical instrument before, the musicians soon discovered that she had a natural aptitude for playing the violin. The eight-day sessions resulted in a performance to invited guests with each young carer receiving a certificate.
Her Project Worker contacted the Warwickshire Music Hub in a bid to help support her talent. They were able to provide her with a violin, free of charge, and discounted violin lessons. Chloe has now passed her Violin Grade 1 with distinction. She later went on to perform at Warwickshire Young Carer’s AGM demonstrating her newly found talent and boosted confidence.
Now, with regular access to social opportunities with children in similar situations, she’s able to pursue a new talent, has boosted her confidence and has increased her social circle.
Foundation CEO, Tina Costello, said:
“Young carers are often put under immense pressure when caring for family members. Services like this give children a perfect platform to express themselves, relax and the chance to concentrate on being a child! The opportunity for young carers to mix with those in similar situations is a really important tool.
“It’s brilliant to see Chloe having the opportunity to learn a new skill and myself and the Foundation wish her the best of luck in the future!”
Want to make a contribution in your community? Find out how you can do more local.
Find out more about Warwickshire Young Carers.