YOUNG carers in Tameside have performed emotional and heartfelt poems to share their experiences of daily life.
The group were invited to take part in a project called Poetry Together 2023. Organised by the broadcaster, writer and former MP Gyles Brandeth and supported by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, the young and adult carers came together to perform poems for each other over tea and cake.
In doing so, they also raised awareness of their vital caring role at home and celebrated their important contribution.
The team of carers won £250 worth of book vouchers, which will go towards purchasing books for the young carers.
The poetry collection is now on display for the public to view in the Tameside One building in Ashton-under-Lyne.
In Tameside, there are some 421 young carers aged from five to 18 years old who provide support for family members including making meals, shopping, helping with medication and offering emotional support.
The Young Carers Project allows children to attend groups every two weeks and participate in a variety of activities from baking to sports and art, as well as emotional wellbeing support such as confidence building and anger management.
The group also get the chance to go away, with recent trips including a residential to the Lake District, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Gulliver’s World and a weekend away in Southampton for the Young Carers Festival.
A spokesperson for Tameside Council said: “The help and support young carers provide to their families is truly remarkable and doesn’t get taken for granted.
“We are very proud of all they do and are happy that Tameside Council can reward them with our Young Carers Project, providing one-to-one support, activities and holidays to give them the childhood they deserve.”
For more information about The Young Carers Project, email young.carers@tameside.gov.uk or call 0161 342 5463.