Kingston Young Carers’ Project Party Conference

Kingston Carers’ Network’s Young Carers’ Project (YCP) are delighted to announce Inspiring Young Carers - the first ever Party Conference organised specially for young carers aged 5 to 22 in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

A young carer is a young person who provides emotional, physical or practical care and support to a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. The Young Carers’ Project support nearly 800 young carers from the age of 5 and are the only organisation in the borough dedicated to doing so.

Young carers are among the most disadvantaged children in our society with many experiencing poverty, poor physical and mental health, and lower academic attainment. 23% of young carers say that their caring role stopped them making friends so YCP support is essential with one parent saying “It was wonderful for him to get time away from the house, where what we can do as a family, is severely restricted by the needs of my other son. To be with other children who understand and live those restrictions, was wonderful.” well as free entry to Chessington Zoo afterwards. Professionals are also invited to learn how they can better support young carers in the borough. There will be the opportunity to hear directly from young carers the impact of caring on their lives and the positive impact YCP has had on them and their whole family.

Young carers show an incredible amount of resilience, maturity, independence, and life skills. By offering the right support we can help young carers shine.

Finally, there is a creative competition for young carers with prizes including an Xbox series X and £150 in Amazon vouchers. You can find out more about this by visiting www.kingstoncarers.org. uk/young-carers/ycp-party-conference

The conference, sponsored by Chessington World of Adventures and Love Kingston, will take place on Saturday 4th February 2023 at Chessington World of Adventures. The event is free and open to all professionals and young carers in Kingston but you must book a space by emailing YCPConference@kingstoncarers.org . uk or calling 020 3031 2757.

To celebrate young carers, the Party Conference will play host to music, magicians, goodie bags, food, prizes, face painting and entertainment as