Oxfordshire charity offers 'walk and talk' sessions to support young carers during school holidays
Be Free Young Carers says the six-week summer break can leave some feeling isolated
An Oxfordshire charity is offering new "walk and talk" sessions to make sure young carers can still access support during the summer break.
Be Free Young Carers says the initiative hopes to help reduce loneliness and isolation for young people who often spend the holidays caring for family members while missing out on time with friends.
The charity's youth workers will meet young carers for informal walks, giving them the chance to talk about their worries in the same way they might during term time.
Victoria Mondahl, Head of Operations at Be Free Young Carers, said: "If they're having that emotional support in schools, rather than just suddenly stop for six weeks over the summer holidays, we might touch base.
"Even if it's just a quick 20-minute or half-an-hour walk locally, just to check in with them."
Young carers are children and young people who help look after a family member with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or addiction.
Victoria explained that the summer holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the year for them.
"If they've got a family that's got high caring needs, they might be stuck at home. School can be a really safe place for them where they see their friends and just have a bit of time out," she said.
She added that many take on significant caring responsibilities without others even realising.
"Young carers generally are quite an independent bunch of people and can be quite mature for their years," she said.
"They don't like to advertise that you've got a parent who's got additional needs or a sibling that's got additional needs. Sometimes it's all they know as well. It is their norm and they want to help their families."
Alongside support at school and in the holidays, Be Free Young Carers hosts monthly youth groups and respite activities, including trips to Cotswold Wildlife Park, museums and outdoor activity days.
Victoria said while the activities are important, the charity's personalised one-to-one sessions are key to helping young people build confidence and manage challenges.
"Our youth workers get to know a young person, they get to know what their needs are and they come up with an action plan of support," she said.
"It might be around self-esteem, anger management, sleep issues. We talk about how to manage worries, stresses, managing wellbeing really. I think that's kind of our bread and butter of what we do here."
Research suggests there are at least two young carers in every classroom nationally, but Be Free Young Carers says work carried out with the University of Oxford indicates the figure could be even higher.
"I think there's a lot of young carers out there," Victoria said. "Some aren't aware, and I think there's a lot of people that aren't identified."
The charity, which is funded through grants, trusts and community fundraising, is expanding its services into north Oxfordshire to reach more families.
Victoria is encouraging anyone who knows the family of a young carer well to make a real difference by giving them some time away from their caring role.
"Offer to go round and sit with the person who needs that extra support. Just give them a bit of trouble-free time out so they can actually go out and enjoy time with their friends," she said.
She is also urging any young carers who would like to be supported or connect with others to reach out to them.
"You're not alone," she said. "Come and be part of Be Free."