THE CENTRES

CHESTER

We had an amazing time at the Chester Centre at Northgate Arena. Before the activities, we would explain the theme and the plan for the day. We would play introductory games that helped the children to get to know each other, and puzzles and games would be set out as an icebreaker. The children were obsessed with time bomb, we would play it at least 4 times a day! The young carers enjoyed the activities that were provided, especially drawing tv and film characters, the Olympics day and card games. In the afternoon, the children would take part in the workshops which went down a treat, especially print making, mixed media, pot painting and stop motion. Due to the limited outdoor space, the children would be taken to the park to let off some steam by playing football and basketball which they thoroughly loved! The children were also able to take part in quizzes, well-being, nutrition and fitness activities that assisted them with their social skills, self-confidence and forming strong friendships.

ELLESMERE PORT

We had a fantastic time at the Ellesmere Port Brio Sports Village during the summer holidays. As a warm-up, we often sat down and discussed the current theme, the day ahead and then engaged in a few basic games to get them moving. These were often monkey ball or Kahoot Quizzes (where we had different coloured cones representing an answer). We found that doing a physical game from the beginning allowed them to wake up and get started. This was either followed up with a craft session until lunch. In the afternoon we were able to use the outdoor pitches which gave them all a chance to let off some steam and let staff wander between groups to get a more personal chat. Trips to Westlake and Manchester United were some of the highlights of the summer.

KNUTSFORD

During our two-week sessions based in the lower school campus of Knutsford Academy the young carers enjoyed playing group games, workshops, craft activities and days out. We also enjoyed themed sessions run by the amazing teaching staff; these included looking at and learning about dreamtime stories, aboriginal markings, the Olympics, the Great Barrier Reef, Japanese Manga art where they created their own Manga character, print making, totem poles and drama sessions. The young carers also got to take part in some team games and activities including escape room type maths puzzles where the young carers had to solve the puzzles as a team to unlock the different padlocks to discover the next clue. We also made use of the vast grounds and played games such as hide and seek (a firm favourite), rounders, football and some Olympic style activities.

THE CENTRES

MACCLESFIELD WINSFORD

As young carers arrived at the centre, they were able to socialise and take part in energetic games before taking part in a variety of workshops. The young carers enjoyed learning new skills, making crafts and learning about different cultures from around the world, including dressing up in Indian Saris and making Rangoli sand pictures. One of the most popular activities was creating their own mini worlds out of recycled materials to use in their stop motion videos. In the afternoons the group enjoyed lots of games, trips to the local park and taking part in challenges. The groups particularly enjoyed making use of the stage, putting on talent shows and their own Dragon’s Den.

Winsford Young Carers have enjoyed an amazing summer together at Winsford Lifestyle Centre. As well as the activities and trips organised by our activity team, Winsford explored the local library, learned first aid, visited the park, played different sports weekly in the sports hall, took part in an egg drop parachute challenge, and created their own ‘trashion’ show. Seeing the young carers all get stuck in and taking part in every activity was fantastic, but best of all the young carers’ feedback showed they loved the activities and their favourite thing this summer was making friends.

CREWE

The young carers started most sessions with a starter activity such as colouring, crafting or playing games. After this, the sessions were activity focused and the children were able to explore different avenues of crafting as well as learning new skills. The activities themselves enabled the children to express their creativity as well as promote confidence with trying new skills. After lunch a range of child and adult led activities were organised, a particular favourite was ‘Empire’ as well as more active games such as ‘hot potato’ and ‘elephant football’. The sessions would end with a circle time in which the children conducted a breathing activity, a healthy food task such as a game or activity and a chance for the children to give feedback on the day.

The Crewe centre was also given the opportunity to spend one day a week at the local park. We started the day with a run around the playground before splitting into smaller groups and participating in three different activities. The activities consisted of arts and crafts as well as orienteering through the park, they completed treasure hunts, looking after the wildlife activities, sports day races and still life drawing of the scenery around them in their sketch books. With lunch provided the children were able to picnic in the park. Afternoons were spent with a mixture of playing outdoor games as well as free time in which the children mastered new skills such as skipping and juggling. Before the end of the day, the young carers were given the opportunity to take part in the circle time activities. A quote from one of the children ‘this was the best day ever’ sums up the enjoyment and fun which was created.