As 2020 drew to a close it was hard to look back and think of positives, but on reflection there were a few.
Since March 2020 we have managed to continue to support Young Adult Carers through what has been a difficult time for all. With the loss of meeting in person, we engaged with telephone calls and moved on to video calling with the use of Microsoft Teams, Attend Anywhere and Discord. This has given us other tools with which to work and surprisingly it has become a favourite means of communication. For others we met in open spaces, choosing to walk the beach or local parks, which during the summer months gave us all some fresh air and kept our spirits up.
During the summer we continued to support students and South Devon College received a Carers Federation Quality Standard for Carer Support Award, giving them the opportunity to enhance their already existing support of YAC’s, during their time on the college site. We also continue to run our fortnightly drop-in and meet Carers in a Covid friendly manner, giving support and guidance.
As we came to the end of the second lockdown, we began to look forward and gather thoughts on what we could do for Christmas and 2021. Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic we cancelled our annual Christmas meal, but made up for it by offering a Christmas Stocking to those who texted Santa (my colleague). I believe we delivered nearly 40 in total full of goodies, giving one and all a little bit of Christmas cheer 🙂
In 2021 our drop-ins will start again with a new vigour, introducing YAC’s to our new venue at Jasmyn House in Paignton. We aim to create an opportunity for monthly T-Time cook-ins, where we will be able to cook with YAC’s an easy 20 minute meal.
We have also been working with Active Devon, whom we hope will be able to support and educate our YAC’s in activities, health and wellbeing. We have opportunities for YAC’s to partake in the Sir Francis Chichester Trust (Outward Bounds) and of course we hope to continue our relationship with the Tallships Trust – so that another group of Young Adult Carers will be able to sail sometime soon.
So a Happy New Year from me and my Colleagues – we are optimistic and looking forward to inspiring our Young Adult Carers to try something different in 2021.
Dave Baker, Young Adult Carer Development Worker
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