Lent Appeal: help give young carers a break 

Molly has looked after her mum, dad, step-dad and nan since she was 10. At 14, she was referred to The Children's Society's Young Carer Programme.

As well as practical support and advice, the programme offers young carers the chance to enjoy a weekend's respite from their caring responsibilities at the Young Carers Festival in Hampshire.

Held every summer, the Festival is now in its 26th year and is the biggest gathering of young carers in the world.



Taking place near Southampton in Hampshire at YMCA Fairthorne Manor, the Festival is for secondary school aged young carers from 11-17 years, and a great opportunity for young carers to have fun, unwind, make new friends and try new crafts and activities.

Last year more than 800 young carers from all over the country attended!

For Molly, this Festival was the highlight of her year.

So this year for our Lent Appeal, we're asking for donations to support the Festival's many craft activities.

£1 would pay for:

• a fidget toy to help a young person to manage their anxiety in the Festival's Chill Out Marquee
• a neon wristband for the evening disco
• ceramic tiles for decorating

£5 would pay for:

• a pack of blank greetings cards
• a slime making kit for a young person
• paints for all craft work

£10 would pay for:

• acrylic pens for decorating ceramic tiles
• air drying modelling clay
• a board game for the chill-out zone

Larger donations could contribute towards:

• a dance session for young people to learn the latest TikTok dance
• a magician to entertain with close magic
• a professionally led drumming session

Partnership Lead Rob Needle said: "We're always astounded by the generosity of church-goers at St Andrew's, and this is a great opportunity to support young carers during a weekend caring for themselves, instead of loved ones. Thank you for supporting our Lent Appeal!"

• There are an estimated 120,000 young carers in the UK - but the figure is probably higher.
• This year, the Young Carers Festival runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June.
• Watch the highlights from last year's Festival: "Young carers, you are special".