News and events

21st August 2008: Alton Towers trip

On the sixth of August 21 young carers all went to Alton Towers in Staffordshire accompanied by Barnardo's Willow Young Carers workers and volunteers from the Royal Bank of Scotland who funded the trip. We were all divided into groups, so the people who like big rides went into a group who went on big rides etc. I went on most of the big ones which included Nemesis, Air etc. which was fun. My favourite ride though was the Runaway Mine Train then Air!! It was a really good day and I met new carers.

Young carer, aged 13

Young carers enjoying the Marauder's Mayhem ride at Alton Towers

Summer 2008: Willow Newsletter

This summer saw the launch of Willow Young Carers Service's Newsletter. Matt, Katy, Chris and Rebekah did an excellent job of creating the content and style of the newsletter, including interviewing professionals, doing research on mental health issues and writing up recent Willow events. The newsletter has been sent out to all schools in Leeds, and to all the young carers supported by Willow. We are hoping to publish the second edition at the beginning of 2009.

You can download a copy of the newsletter here: Willow Summer Newsletter (PDF)

10th June 2008: Willow Art Event

photo of young carers outside Leeds Art Gallery

A group of young carers worked with local artist Emma Spencer to create a piece of collaborative art that was exhibited at Leeds City Art Gallery on 10th June 2008. The young people projected photographs of their home, school and caring lives onto a huge piece of paper to create a montage of their individual stories. The group also created individual gesture drawings, inspired by pieces of art in the gallery.

Willow Young Carers Service organised a celebratory event at the gallery to present the work, which was attended by young carers and their families, Willow workers and many other professionals across the city. Speeches were made by the Lead Councillor for Leeds City Council and the Director of Children’s Services.

Nick and Ashleigh worked with their art teacher to create these two paintings, inspired by the work of American artist Roy Lichtenstein. These images are a powerful depiction of the emotions they feel as sibling carers to their sister, Becca.