Helping Young Carers enjoy the benefits of being physically active

The Young Carers team at North Lincolnshire Council recognised the importance of sport and physical activity in supporting young carers in the challenges they face in their lives. 

However because the life of a young carer is very different for each individual, organising sessions that are accessible for all is very difficult. Therefore the Young Carers team looked at a different approach and were supported by Active Humber to provide opportunities that the young people could access at a time that was convenient to them. 

This included providing leisure passes so the young people could access swimming, exercise and fitness, badminton sessions etc and access to summer holiday sports sessions, either on their own or with friends so they had the opportunity to be physically active.

Feedback from this project includes:

A member of the Young Carers Team talking about two young people who care for their mum - 'The children care for their Mum and worry about her. It has been fantastic to see that they have had a break from caring during the holidays which will support their physical and emotional wellbeing'.

A member of the Young Carers Team talking about a young person who cares for his mum 'The young carer has not accessed any groups since being registered with the team for 2 years. He worries about his Mum as he has had to call an ambulance for her on two occasions when he found her collapsed. He struggles with his emotions. The passes allowed him to go the gym with friends which he said he enjoyed and the time away made him feel happy and fit'.

A member of the Young Carers Team talking about a young person who cares for his mum 'A is a young carer who at times struggles with anxiety and it is a huge step forward for him to access a session. He loves sport and with work completed to support him to access creative therapy to look at ways to manage worries, anxiety and learn ways to relax he feels ready to enjoy sports out of the home'.