Deliver a festival for young carers in North Highland, aged between 12 and 18, which replicates elements of the Scottish Young Carers Festival. This will be a 2 day event with respite activities over 2 days which could include music workshops, water sports, archery, climbing, arts and crafts, climate challenge activities, upcycling, garden crafts, bushcrafts gorge walking.  Accommodation and meals will be provided.

It will also host a marketplace of support with Mikey’s Line, Crocus, RASASH etc which will be open to the public and young carers.

We know that Young Carers enjoy attending the Scottish festival but the long travel distances and bing far away from home mean it is not accessible to all Young Carers in the North Highlands. By holding a more local event in Sutherland it will encourage those who are unable to attend the Scottish festival to experience new activities, meet peers, connect with more support services and receive respite from their caring responsibilities whilst being closer to home. 

The festival would promote positive mental health and wellbeing, helping young people feel valued, understood and less alone in their caring roles. Replicating elements of the Scottish Young Carers Festival would also give young carers a stronger collective voice. Dedicated opportunities to share experiences, express their views and identify changes they would like to see would help ensure that services better reflect their needs and priorities.