We're still here! Despite these strange and challenging times we've managed to continue providing a reduced service to our young carers and their families. Lucy and I have been available via phone and Facebook to help if needed. I'm pleased to say many families appear to have coped very well and have found ways to treat lockdown as an opportunity to spend quality time with each other, that they might not otherwise have had.
However not everyone experienced the restrictions as a positive time and it has been a real test for them. We've assisted with difficulties obtaining food, feelings of loneliness and isolation, and with difficulties when other services have been withdrawn or been a struggle to access. I'm also very sad to say that not all families have as many members as they did at the outset and they are in our thoughts.
We are all go to resume a more usual pattern of service in September, assuming the schools reopen in full as planned and there are no significant changes to the situation. Our venues are ready for us to return to, both for group sessions and One2one's in schools; and we've some exciting new opportunities for our young people including a chance to be part of a new video production, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes making it happen.
As we head into the summer break we wish all our families a safe and enjoyable time, but know that for some things will still be difficult. Although our usual services will not be running, and we're very disappointed that our usual spread of summer activities has not been possible, Jayne and I will still be manning the office and there to help if needed, on 01268 741811 and I will also be available via our Facebook groups. If you're not already a member of either our parents or young carers groups please send us a message and we'll join you up.
We look forward to seeing you all then! :) ... See MoreSee Less
With so much free time there has been a massive boost in interest in live streaming apps such as Tik Tok, and they can be great fun; but, do you know how to judge if a challenge is physically safe to do or whether it might leave you open to exploitation? If something feels wrong or uncomfortable don't do it just because everyone else is. We've all seen video clips online of people getting seriously hurt, abused or embarrassed doing things they probably wouldn't have, if they hadn't been egged into it by others. Real friends won't ask you to do something that is going to harm you in any way.
Here are some activities that might help you think about the risks and ways of protecting yourself or your children.
For 5-7's www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/5-7s/?utm_source=Thinkuknow&u...
For 8-11's www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/8-10s/?utm_source=Thinkuknow&...
For 11-13's www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/11-13s/?utm_source=Thinkuknow...
For 14+ www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/14-plus/?utm_source=Thinkukno... ... See MoreSee Less
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Sorry if this is one survey too many but many organisations are desperate to find out how people are doing in the current situation and are limited in how they can make contact. Please take a look..... www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FTZ8Z9P ... See MoreSee Less
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Channel 4 News have asked us to ask our young carers to participate in a survey to look at the impact of lockdown on them. Please follow the link to take part. www.surveymonkey.com/r/NWB3G3P ... See MoreSee Less
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