Young Carers Holiday Hangout: Fun, laughter and connections
When you’re a young carer, looking after someone can be especially tough and isolating. The Young Carers Holiday Hangout is one way GAMH North East Carers Service helps unpaid carers take time out to relax, recharge and connect with others facing similar challenges.
We recently spent time with young carers at the Holiday Hangout and learned more about how GAMH is supporting them.
Helping young carers build their support networks
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging and, at times, isolating. This is especially true for young carers, who often lack the support networks and experience to help manage life as an unpaid carer. Helping young carers take time away from their caring roles and connect with others who understand their experiences is essential.
Funded by Shared Care Scotland’s Short Breaks programme, the Young Carers Holiday Hangout brings young carers from the north east of Glasgow together. The aim is simple: to create opportunities for them to relax, have fun and spend time with their peers. The latest Young Carers Holiday Hangout was a day out to remember, filled with joy, laughter, and creative self-expression.
Support, advice and breaks for unpaid carers: Find out more about how we support unpaid carers of all ages in Glasgow and how to self-refer to us for support.
Sharing caring experiences at the Young Carers Holiday Hangout
The Young Carers Holiday Hangout started with a lively game of ten-pin bowling. Carers embraced the friendly competition, celebrating each other’s strikes and near misses.
After the final pin had fallen, the group enjoyed lunch together and the chance to chat and share their experiences. Building connections with people who understand the realities of being a young carer is invaluable. Connections can help carers start to build their own support networks and reduce feelings of isolation.
Do you need a break from your caring responsibilities? Read how GAMH North East Carers Service can help you access grants for short breaks and activities to rest and recharge.
Spending time with people who understand what it’s like to care for someone
The afternoon offered a complete change of direction as the group headed to Splatter Art for a hands-on creative session. Trying out techniques inspired by the artist Jackson Pollock, the young carers suited up and got messy in the art studio!
The studio echoed with laughter as paint was splashed, thrown and flicked onto canvas (and quite often not anywhere near canvas!). Fully embracing the challenge, each group member created a unique, vibrant piece of art to take home.
By the end of the day, our young carers had not only had a great time but left feeling energised and better connected to their caring community.
Supporting young carers in north east Glasgow
GAMH North East Carers Service provides opportunities like the Young Carers Holiday Hangout to support young carers. Short breaks and activities give unpaid carers the chance to rest, recharge, and sample the same experiences those without caring responsibilities enjoy.
We also provide emotional support, advice and training for carers as part of our comprehensive support for unpaid carers in the north east of Glasgow.
To self-refer to us, complete an online referral form or phone 0141 404 3769 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
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