News & Events

Young Carers get Time-4-U

Sumo wrestling at Young Carers Time 4 U event Graffiti art, street dance and sumo wrestling came to New Milton this half term as part of Community First New Forest’s Young Carers project.

Children and teenagers from across the New Forest enjoyed some much needed time out at the Phoenix Centre thanks to support from New Milton Masonic Lodge.

For many, it was a welcome break from caring responsibilities that dominate their lives.

“It was great fun and I made friends” said one Young Carer.

Another added, “I’d have been at home looking after my Dad if I hadn’t been able to come here.”

Project Coordinator Marie Shotbolt, from Community First New Forest, is already planning the next event,

“Thanks to the Masonic Lodge we know we can run this again next year and we want to make it even better.”

As well as activities, the Young Carers Project offers 1-2-1 support and can help families to access services that will make their lives easier.

Marie explains,

“Often something as simple as letting a school know what’s going on at home can make a huge difference to a Young Carer. They might get a quiet room at lunch to do their homework, or a special card that will allow them to leave the class if they need to.”

If you think you might be a Young Carer, or that someone in your family might be, get in touch with the New Forest Young Carers project. They’d also love to hear from you if you’d be interested in either volunteering or supporting them in some way.

Ring Marie Shotbolt at Community First New Forest on 01425 482773 or email marie.shotbolt@cfnf.org.uk

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