The Honeypot Children’s Charity focusses on young carers under the age of 18 with approximately 50% of young carers supported aged 5 to 12 years, a group that is hidden from society and care support. The charity was founded to support vulnerable inner city young children, who never had the experience of a residential respite break in the countryside.
In the first six months of the project, hundreds of young carers have benefited from the Short Breaks Scheme. Activities have included residential respite breaks, ‘memory making’ days, a ‘fun through play’ programme, online after-school clubs, wellbeing grants and online weekend clubs. They have provided some much needed support and friendship to young carers, helped with skills development and offered them the chance for a short break from their caring responsibilities, sometimes from the comfort of their own home.
The wellbeing Microgrants have supported the purchase of a variety of items, everything from football boots to art supplies. They’ve also helped young carers to take part in zoo keeper experiences, horse riding lessons and personal training sessions. Many of these items and activities the families of young carers just could not afford without the support of the Short Breaks Scheme.
So far, almost 1,000 young carers have been helped and 150 people in receipt of care have also directly benefitted from the short break with the carer. The funding has also ensured that staff at Honeypot have been able to continue to listen to and support individual young carers, building on their strengths, talents and interests.
Three young carers who recently enjoyed Honeypot Respite Breaks are siblings all under the age of 12. At home, they help support their sister who has mental and physical issues and struggles with most tasks. They are the crucial extra pair of hands for their parents and help out with everything from cleaning to cooking.
Mum says,
This is the amazing thing about Honeypot, it’s a place where everything is about the kids. We couldn’t afford to go on a break so it was a lifeline for us. They came back so happy and rejuvenated. I can see they have grown in independence!
Leah-Rose, aged 7, helps care for her mum, Sally, who has multiple seizures a day. She helps with everything from opening wrappers to helping her to dress. She is a major emotional support and always there when mum needs her, her rock!
Leah has struggled with coming to terms with having a disabled parent, and is often bullied by her peers. She became very reclusive and struggled with school and socialising. On her first break to Honeypot, Leah made friends and enjoyed lots of fun activities, like crafting and making pizzas and swam for the first time. She also found a place where she could relax and be herself.
Mum says, “She has seen her worth, thanks to the 1-1 support of Honeypot’s amazing team. She felt like a superhero, her superpower being a young carer, so only she could access the super-headquarters.”
Leah and her sister Izzy have accessed many of Honeypot’s tailored services. They have attended several Respite Breaks, which, as well as creating many happy memories, helped build confidence and resilience. They have enjoyed some amazing ‘Memory Making Days’, such as trips to activity parks or skiing, activities they never would have experienced without the Short Breaks scheme. They have also benefited from the Wellbeing Fund and received a new bike which Leah is now learning to ride!
The Memory Making Days’ keep-sakes take pride of place in Leah’s bedroom. Mum says, “They remind her she is special, not just to us her parents, but also to Honeypot!”. Leah loves receiving the birthday cards, Christmas fun-books and numerous wellbeing wallets through the scheme. “Honeypot isn’t just a charity or after school club, to our family it is so much more”, Leah’s dad concludes.