This is a special blog post written by a Burgess Hill Youth member who is a young carer.
The Burgess Hill young carers have helped me with so much. I joined in 2010 when my mum had a stroke and I have been going ever since. The young carers events are great because we can go and meet new people who have gone through a similar experience to yourself. It gives me a chance to open up and maybe share how I’m feeling when I couldn’t always to talk to someone at home.
My mum has had a really bad back for as long as I can remember and I’ve always helped her doing little things around the house. I help my mum with things like washing up, laundry and helping her put her socks on, things I find normal but maybe other people wouldn’t. When I go to the young carers for a day, it gives me a bit of time out to do my own thing. I don’t mind helping mum but sometimes it is nice to not worry!
Whenever I go there’s always a friendly face. There is always volunteers who give up their time to help us and I’m really grateful to them. They are what make it possible! I go on a day out and there is always something for me, and everyone else, to do. Whether it’s arts and crafts, tennis, cake making or pond dipping. We will all have a GREAT time!
Since I’ve been at the young carers I have tried loads of new things I usually wouldn’t do. A couple of weeks ago I went camping for 2 nights and it was amazing (thanks Paul). Because I’ve only been camping once (with my mum and dad) I learned a lot of new skills and I also met some new friends from other youth groups. Before I’ve been to black lands farm, abseiling at hove lagoon and I’ve even been go-carting. Jen and the whole team always find fun and challenging activities for us all do.
I love going to the young carers. Now I am a bit older I like to help volunteer with the younger ones as it has helped me so much and would really like to give something back to this amazing cause.
Niamh
Burgess Hill Youth 