On Friday 17th November, ten young carers took to the nation’s screens for BBC Children in Need 2023.
The programme followed East Ayrshire Young Carers as they joined us for five action-packed days aboard Alba Explorer.
One young person spoke to the Children in Need team about their experiences as a young carer: “My mum has a condition called Multiple Sclerosis. It affects her mobility and she has a lot of pain sometimes. She does really struggle, she gets tired a lot,” said Keira.
“For me, I know I get quite easily overwhelmed a lot of the time. It’s nice to just get away for a bit, not have to think about everything.”
A youth work voyage gives young carers crucial respite from their caring responsibilities. It also offers a unique opportunity to connect with other young people facing similar circumstances.
For many young people, the experience of a voyage significantly improves confidence, resilience and mental health.
On the experience, another young person said: “I don’t think anything would have compared to this. I’ve just been on a boat for five days and I feel a lot different now.”
This voyage was made possible thanks to vital funding support from BBC Children in Need and the Volant Charitable Trust.
To watch the full programme, head to BBC iPlayer – BBC Children in Need – 2023: Live Show – Scotland