Last month we ran our Caring Counts course for our Young Adult Carers aged 16-18 at the Ed Shed in Gloucester enabling them to come together to learn, support and share.

Over two Saturdays we looked at: what it means to be a young adult carer, who is there to support us in this role, what we can and cannot control, how to recognise our strengths, and the many ways that we can look after our own health and wellbeing.

On the first Saturday we made use of the teaching kitchen at the Cavern where we made pizzas from scratch with crispy potato wedges to go alongside. This was a great way for the group to bond and get to know each other whist having fun and developing their cooking skills.

On the final Saturday after we had finished with the learning elements of the course and lots of chance for discussion, we headed to the brand new Lazer Tag centre for some serious fun to finish of the day!

Feedback from the young people was good with all the participants saying that they would recommend the course to others. We were pleased with how well they got to know each other and how much they supported each other whilst sharing different aspects of their lives.

What did you learn from Caring Counts?

"That everyone has a voice"

"That there is a positive life"

"That its OK to speak about your feelings"

"That there's places I can go for help"

"That other people have similar situations to mine"

"I’ve learnt ways to help myself when I feel down"

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