Who we are

We are a Community interest Company (CiC) which means a not for profit company, all of the money that we generate is invested back into supporting Young Carers. We are a small team of 6, but our reach includes working with schools and stakeholder organisations across Wales, UK. We are based in Wales.

Our idea

We knew that Young Carers lives were already challenging, that by having a caring role equated with fewer opportunities to do well at school and to have a career. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated their already stressful lives, they are even more isolated and report increased suffering with anxiety and depression.  We want to reach in to Young Carers and do something about this.  We want to have 'best self' conversations with Young Carers, so that we can discover what works and what doesn't work for them right now during the COVID pandemic. From these conversations we will discover what keeps them well.  We will invite Young Carers to use these disoveries to help us design wellbeing opportunities. Working with us in this co-productive way will develop their knowledge and skill set, for which they will be awarded a Young Carers Academy certificate of achievment, which will contribute towards their overall learning in school. They will regain a sense of control over their own very challenging circumstances, and connect with their Young Carer peers which will contribute positively towards their mental health. They will also be able make good use of the wellbeing opportunities that are produced.

Our Vision

We are passionate about our work, and bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and compassion to the Young Carers Academy. Co-production is central to the way we work, which means Young Carers work with us and co-design, develop and ultimately deliver lots of wonderful activities that contribute towards wellbeing. Our vision is to contribute to the wellbeing, learning and employment of all young carers, and to create opportunities in which they can be their best selves and live their best lives.

We want Young Carers to have formal recognition for their caring roles, and to access peer support that will enable them to flourish.

As part of our 'thank you' to people who donate we will be inviting donors to enter into our 'golden ticket draw'. The lucky winners will be able to have a personal one-to-one coaching session with an expert Coach.  Our coaches are leading the field in their areas of coaching practice, coaches who have signed up to support the Young Carers Academy have professional backgrounds in wellbeing, psychology, equality and human rights, sports, career development, leadership, energy and stress management, education and research.

How we will use money

We will provide small bursaries to the Young Carers in recognition of their time and expertise given to create what works for them wellbeing

We will co-develop and provide wellbeing opportunities that Young Carers tell us they need to keep them well

We will award Young Carer Certificates of Achievement for working with us

We will pay for admin and facilitator support to run the 'best self' young carer wellbeing conversations