Young carers take a break for adventure | News and events

Young carers had the chance to take a break and enjoy three days of adventure in Thorpe Woodlands as part of the Reach for the Sky event organised by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT).

The youngsters, aged 11-16, arrived at the venue in Thetford last Wednesday morning and kicked off their three days of fun with an ice-breaker and lunch before taking part in activities including canoeing, caving, high ropes, zip wire, biking, archery, climbing and team challenges. Evening entertainment was live music, fire eaters and a campfire.

Thursday and Friday included similar activities with a marketplace of stalls and motivational speakers from Friday morning, including Army recruitment and the police, as well as representatives from NSFT.

Senior Practitioner Howard Tidman said young carers did an amazing job and it was important they had the chance to have a break from their responsibilities.

“We organise this event every year to give these young people the opportunity to meet others who understand what they do on a day-to-day basis. They can have fun and just be kids,” he said. “This year’s event has been wonderful. We have had 90 youngsters from young carer groups in Norfolk and Suffolk, and it has been great to see them joining in with the activities and bonding.

“We had great support in the form of stalls from employers and education providers to encourage and inspire the young carers to get a great career and literally reach for the sky.”

Now in its tenth year, The Reach for the Sky event is a collaboration between NSFT, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Young Carers, Suffolk Young Carers, MTM Youth Services and the Benjamin Foundation. Funders include Norwich Consolidated Charities, Suffolk Community Foundation and private individuals.

Howard said: “We have come a long way since our first event. The three-day trip this year was our biggest ever, and we also organise special days out for the younger carers.”

NSFT Chair Zoë Billingham said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to take some time out from their caring roles and get enjoyment from outdoor activities and have fun together. Congratulations to the organisers on another successful Reach for the Sky event.”