I was first introduced to Connects & Co when my school arranged a placement in September ’14. I immediately felt welcomed by the team and joined as a cadet later the same month and have been attending groups since. After first going to Connects & Co I learnt that although I never considered myself to be one, that I myself am a young carer and although I am not with Connects as a young person they are still very supportive of my situation. At groups I have attended as a cadet there has been a wide range of activities from cinema and bowling trips, to inny chill sessions. I also attended the young carers festival last June with Connects and the festival was a memorable experience.
Overall I find being a cadet with Connects & Co a privilege and I thoroughly enjoy spending time at the groups and with the team and find them incredibly supportive.
“By being with Connects & Co. my life has changed. Trust me!
They have been there for me every step of the way ever since I was 10 and a half.
I’m now 11 so that is how trustworthy they are. Some people’s lives have been recreated with Connects & Co help,
I made new friends at Connect Clubs and we also go on amazing trips and residential. We have been to places like Pleasurewood Hills and Kingswood.
Connects & Co. are not my friends, they are my family.”
YOUNG CARERS FESTIVAL FEEDBACK AND QUOTES 2019
‘I like the festival because it helps us have some freedom. The best bit about the festival is making new friends and having fun!!!’
‘The festival is the only day when I am not a carer and it is a nice break. Fave bit disco and opening ceremony.’ By Sarah
‘My favourite part of the festival was dancing with the rest of the group at the silent disco. I like YCF because I don’t have to worry about anything-it’s an escape from stress. I also enjoy spending time with the others.’
‘There were loads of activities (and freebies). It gives me time to have fun and relax. My favourite thing is I got a teddy (free) and doing dodgers with others.’
‘At the festival I enjoyed the disco and rides. I also enjoyed meeting others in a similar situation. I think that the festival is good because it gives young carers a chance to meet new people and have a break from caring for a few days. I also enjoyed the karaoke.’ Enya
‘My favourite bit about the Young Carers Festival 2019 was going into the Voice Zone and recording a video that might help other young carers. YCF is important to me because it gives me a break from the stress at home and it’s a chance for me to be myself rather than the girl whose mum died or the girl who cares for her step sister.’
‘The stunt guys, silent disco and spending time with friends. YCF means a lot to me because I can let it all out and be myself.’
‘My favourite part of the festival was Graham and the silent disco, as Graham has been super positive all weekend, helping the carers through the day and being an awesome guy. The disco was incredible as it gave me a chance to let loose and unwind. YCF is important to me because it gives me a mini break from most daily struggles and chores.’
‘My favourite thing about YCF 2019 was the fairground rides and the silent disco and hungry hippos game. I like the festival because I barely ever get to go to activities so it is fun to get to have fun with friends. YCF lets me talk to people I wouldn’t have talked to before and I get a break from home.’
‘My favourite part of the festival was making new friends and seeing everyone happy. It made me feel more confident because I have never done this kind of thing before.’
‘The best part of the festival was the crate challenge. We got up to 10 crates. And the stunt guys.’