The YMCA Young Carers Service Isle of Wight supports around 300 young people aged 5 – 18 who provide physical and/or emotional care to someone they live with due to disability, long term illness, mental health issues or drug/alcohol misuse. The service supports these incredible young people through 1to1 sessions, respite activities, physical and mental wellbeing projects, signposting and referral to specialised services.

The lives of Young Carers are ‘normally’ tinged with uncertainty and worry, for many their escape from responsibility and duty and their opportunity to be a child is the stability of going to school 5 days a week. In the new ‘normal’ of lockdown these vulnerable young people have been spending all their time at home with the parents/siblings who they provide physical and/or emotional support for, for some this has put new strains on their relationships and emotional wellbeing for others it has bought them closer than ever before. Reflect/Appreciate/Explore will support and nurture a group of Young Carers to express their lockdown experiences, thoughts and emotions through the creation of visual art pieces under the ‘virtual’ guidance and instruction of local illustrator and educator Studio Wren.