Young carers attending our residential weekend at Cirencester last month were lucky to be blessed by the unusually warm and sunny spring weather. Those who took part all belong to the yCHIPs forum which stands for ‘Young Carers Helping Inform Professionals’.

The objective of the weekend was to make a short film that will be shown as part of training for different professionals so that they understand the needs of young carers and how to identify and listen to them.

However – there was plenty of time for fun, relaxation and farm activities. This included pizza making, meeting the horses, wood chopping, rambling around the farm and a mega games and bingo session on Saturday night.

Lucy Wilcox , Youth Participation officer describes how ‘It was great to see the young people relax together on the farm, they all got on well, supported each other and were really open to the activities on offer.  Going away for a weekend gives them a real chance to have a break from their caring roles and the chance to have some exciting new experiences’.

‘We are hoping the film that we have made together will make a big impact when used as part of training for professionals to make sure they are young carer aware’