Wrexham young carers celebration event

Wrexham Young Carers and Young Carers Allies Celebration event

A night of sparkle and warmth was held in Brymbo Social Club in January this year after storm Goretti threatened to cancel the culmination of a 6-month project leading towards a night of celebration.

Please enjoy this short film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcv3sF1_tok

Credu was successful in receiving UK funding through the Shared Prosperity fund. The idea was to bring together the community of young carers, their families and the community allies who support them, going that extra step.

Funding was put towards Wrexham Sounds offering music workshops for individual young carers and Arts Connection who offered visual arts workshops for groups of young carers leading up to a culmination event.

Credu employed Done Together, a newly formed CIC, with founding members that had experience of working on projects together. Done Together agreed to take on the role of co-ordination with the proviso that Young Carers would co-produce the final look and feel of the event.

Inspiring get-togethers were organised to imagine the nomination process, the categories of awards and the final event. Dreams were imagined of inviting notable guests and creative ideas were formed. Consideration was given to siblings and families attending with additional needs.

A team of young carers, the staff team of Done Together and Credu’s staff joined forces to decorate and prepare the room on the 10^th January.

‘In the evening, we heard impactful stories about exceptional young people in caring roles, we celebrated the ordinary and extraordinary young carers and recognised individuals from our community who are going above and beyond in their roles all presented warmly and with humour (where appropriate) by our MC Dux said Sally, a Credu Team Leader.

A parent who nominated their child said, ‘In short, our daughter is AMAZING! Without her help on a daily basis our family home would be far more chaotic. She asks nothing in return for all the help that she provides. She does it all out of love, love for her brother who she can see struggles daily.’

‘He is the rock and joy in our lives’ and ‘She is our angel’ said some of the other nominators.

The evening was full of acknowledged appreciation, live performances by young carers, tasty food, a playful photo booth, some art workshops and a lively disco DJed by the young carers. Big smiles, singing, dancing and laughter ended the evening.

‘Seeing everyone work together to make the event so special was really heartwarming. The young people were involved in every step and we must say, the playlist was on point and the musical talent in the room was impressive’ said Natalie from Done Together.

A Young Carer is someone aged 18 or under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

This project has received £16,398.98 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Cadwyn Clwyd, AVOW and Wrexham County Council. #UKSPF