At Colchester United Community Foundation, we are proud to be providing a new Young Carers Club, funded by Essex County Council, to offer Young Carers in the Colchester and Tendring Areas a chance to have fun, socialise and be active, in a coach-led environment.

The sessions will run bi-weekly at Shrub End Community and Sports Centre (CO2 9BG).

Young Carers are defined through the role that they play in providing physical or emotional care to a family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or addiction, cannot cope without their support. Tasks such as cooking, housework, shopping, as well as personal care, administering medicines, or providing communication support can all be part of a Young Carers day to day routine. Attending a social club, with other Young Carers, decreases the sense of feeling lonely, that 80% of Young Carers report– particularly during school holidays. The Colchester United Community Foundation Young Carers Club will extend throughout the school holidays and additionally will provide further sessions and enrichment during these times.

The aims of the Colchester United Community Foundation Young Carers Club is to;

Increase Young Carers access to local activities

Increase peer support for Young Carers

Offer respite in a fun, coach-led environment - with access to a wide range of activities including sports, art and craft and homework support.

to help Young Carers to;

Feel Empowered

Have increased confidence

Have good self-esteem

Feel cared for and respected

Have increased participation in activities

Have increased knowledge on carers rights and entitlements

Have improved educational outcomes

We are currently working with local schools in Colchester and Clacton to offer our new provision to Young Carers in school years 5,6,7 and 8