O PREPARATION

ver February half term we held two back-toback sleepovers so that the young carers had a chance to get to know each other. The first group arrived on Friday night at Queen Charlotte’s Wood Scout Camp and explored the building and the bedrooms they would be sharing. All the young carers were divided into the groups they would be staying with in the lodges in Paris, before competing in a Disney themed quiz. After dinner there was a campfire with lots of toasted marshmallows and an extremely late night as all the young carers were too busy chattering!

The following morning was spent making crafts, completing a scavenger hunt around the campsite, and playing lots of different board games. After lunch group two arrived and groups pulled their team names out of a hat. During the afternoon there was a visit from Lady Redmond, MBE, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire and her husband Sir Phil Redmond, CBE, to our respite adventure where they talked with young carers, observed them creating models of the Eiffel Tower out of straws and chatted to staff and volunteers supporting the event. After a quick photo call with the whole group, it was time for group one to return home, leaving group two to carry on with the rest of their activities. There was just as much chatter on Saturday night!

The menu for the weekend was French themed, with croissants for breakfast, baguettes with a variety of continental meats to try at lunch time and a choice of beef or chicken casseroles for dinner. We also discovered lots of delicious French biscuits and cakes.

During the Easter holidays this year, fifty young carers from Cheshire East and West had the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime, thanks to funding from Eurocamp. Staying in lakeside lodges at La Croix du Vieux Pont, our young carers enjoyed time at the campsite- swimming, bowling, playing on the adventure playground, taking part in laser tag, and eating delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. They also experienced a magical day at Disneyland Paris- going on rides, watching parades, exploring the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and meeting the characters- all whilst spending time with friends old and new. Following the trip, our staff had some wonderful feedback- one young carer even said, ‘the whole time away has honestly been magical, it has changed my life.’ As you read this report and take a look at all of the wonderful photographs, it’s clear to see that this certainly was an experience that these young carers will remember forever.