Andrew (not his real name) is 12 years old. He cares for his mum who has fibromyalgia, a slipped disk in her spine, and severe and enduring mental health issues.
He helps his mum with the household tasks, helps her to change her clothes, and supports her through her anxiety and depression. He can feel sad at times and also feels tired in school. He has his own anxiety about his mum.
Although Andrew has been registered with the Young Carers Service for some time now, he wasn’t overly keen to engage. However, last summer, the opportunity came up for him to go to Alton Towers – he really wanted to go but was very nervous at the thought of it. After support and discussion with the Young Carers Team, he chose to join the trip.
He had an amazing time and build up friendships with other young carers in the local area – his brother who is also a young carer was on the
trip too, but they both made their own friendship groups whilst away.
Upon returning, Andrew joined another day trip with us as he had gained so much confidence from going away to Alton Towers. Andrew then started joining the group nights and also used the Mind of My Own app to update us on his positive experience of High School. Had it not been for PKAVS’ Alton Towers trip, this young person would not have the confidence that he now has.
