A new weekly online craft club is underway for young carers in the South Lakes area.

Over the next six weeks, carers aged seven to 11 are getting together for a live online crafting session run by Lakeland Arts and staff from Carer Support South Lakes.

“It’s a chance to socialise with other young carers and to have a break from their caring roles”, explains Holly Cragg, from Carer Support South Lakes.

“Young carers have a huge responsibility resting on them, caring for others in their lives. So, they do need their breaks and it’s been even more difficult for them to get them during the Pandemic. They really value time spent with other young carers and doing things they don’t ordinarily get a chance to do. Before the Pandemic that would have included going out for meals, creative workshops and monthly meet ups. And that’s all gone.

“They’ve said balancing school work and caring is hard and, with everyone at home, there’re no breaks. They all miss going to school, seeing friends and socialising,” says Holly.

“So, it’s good news that the project is already benefiting our young carers,” she adds.

“They say it’s calming and therapeutic, gives them a break and makes them happy. And they loved getting their craft boxes.

“If the first live online crafting sessions are anything to go by it looks like we’ll have lots of fun. With the young carers experiencing a sense of investment and achievement. It’s a good time to natter and create,” says Holly.

Each young carer received a craft box full of items to use over the coming weeks supplied by Lakeland Arts. Holly Cragg hopes the work will be exhibited publicly next summer.

“For one of our young carers”, adds Holly “making things is something she already loves doing.

“Before Christmas, Becky and a friend made some bonny bobble hats with chocolates in them. The pair sold them to friends and family raising money for St John’s Hospice and £50 for Carer Support South Lakes. And we’re very grateful for that as all funds raised help us help the area’s unpaid.

One of five carer support charities in Cumbria, the Kendal-based Carer Support South Lakes provides services and support to 1,350 unpaid carers in South Lakeland, aged between six and 98-years-old.

Anyone who regularly helps someone to wash, dress and eat, does their shopping, takes them to appointments or keeps them company could be an unpaid Carer and there’s help on hand.

Find out more by visiting carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk or by calling 01539 815970.

And connect online with other Carers across Cumbria for support and information, around the clock. This safe and moderated online forum is for Carers of all ages, with groups for Young Carers, Adult and Parent Carers and those caring for loved ones with dementia. Carer-Connect is a social space with professional services and support built in.

For Carer Connect please email or visit www.carer-connect.org/