Osborne Supports Young Carers Festival

Osborne were proud to be a part of the support team at a weekend of fun, resilience, and empowerment at the Young Carers Festival 2023 earlier this month.

Every summer, YMCA Fairthorne Manor hosts the largest festival in the world for young people with a caring responsibility at home, and promises to be a weekend filled with empowerment and support for these unsung heroes.

Created in 2000 and run in partnership with The Children’s Society, the weekend is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the incredible contributions and resilience of young carers in our community. This inclusive event provides opportunities for young people to enjoy a break from their responsibilities, have fun, make new friends and have their voices heard on issues that affect them.

Osborne’s Social Value Manager, Neal, joined Winchester Young Carers for their activity-filled weekend, bringing along requested face paints, glow sticks, nail varnish and supported the charity leadership team in their role of helping the young people settle in and engage with the many free activities on offer.

The young carers came together, connected with their peers, and enjoyed a day of respite from their caregiving responsibilities. The festival featured a wide range of activities, including a disco, fairground , interactive sessions, live performances, and recreational games, all designed to promote well-being, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.

Jo Fletcher, Head of Engagement commented ‘There are an estimated 700,000 young carers in the UK; people who are under 18 who help look after someone in their family, or a friend, who are ill or disabled.  Having time away to enjoy the company of likeminded friends is invaluable.  This festival is a celebration for all they do at home and to know they are not alone’.

“This year, a little stuck for leaders, a long term supporter of ours, Neal from Osbone stepped in to join us for the weekend. He kept people smilling, feeling included and threw himself in. Thank you SO much.”

Lisa Wheadon, Manager Winchester & District Young Carers.