'Superhero' young carers relax at youth project

Young people who care for family members have been given the opportunity to relax during school half-term through a project run by Jersey Youth Service.

Mia, 12, who cares for her father, was among those taking part in the My Time 4 Young Carers project and said being at Le Squez Youth Centre "calms me down and makes me happy".

Lead youth worker Jo Dove said the centre gave young carers a "space to be young people, to get away from all their responsibilities".

The project, for children aged eight to 18, allows young carers to take part in activities including baking, karaoke and gaming.

My time 4 caring has said young carers are at risk from issues including social isolation, because of their additional home life responsibilities, bullying and health problems.

The weekly youth club sessions allow them to meet peers who have the same experiences of being a carer, give practical training to help make daily life easier and regular trips where they can have fun while learning new skills.

Ellis, 14, said he enjoyed baking at the youth club as it gave him the chance to relax and the group had been making fortune cookies for the Lunar New Year.

He said the club was a "nice break from normal reality and a good stress reliever".

Dove said: "It's the most rewarding job, and there's some amazing young carers. Everyone who comes here is a superhero.

"They help look after someone and they still come here and are really positive, really enthusiastic, get involved and support each other as well."

Dove added the group took part in activities such as surfing, photography as well as residential trips to St Aubin's Fort and Crabbe.

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