Festival Activities
Workshops
The workshops at the Wales Young Carers Festival offer young carers a chance to explore new skills, hobbies, and personal development opportunities in a supportive and interactive environment. These workshops are led by professionals from various fields, including health, education, and wellbeing, each tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young carers.
Participants can choose from a variety of activities, ranging from creative arts and crafts to sports, mindfulness, and leadership training. Each workshop is designed to foster personal growth, build confidence, and provide practical tools that young carers can use in their everyday lives. By engaging in these sessions, young carers not only gain new skills but also connect with peers who share similar experiences, creating a sense of community and mutual support.
The workshops are a central part of the festival, ensuring that young carers leave with more than just memories – they gain knowledge and skills that can empower them in their caring roles and beyond.
Silver Ring Making
Create a beautiful silver band ring in under 2 hours using traditional silversmithing techniques. You will learn how to accurately measure and manipulate silver wire to achieve a specific finger size, then solder, clean, and polish it to your desired finish, resulting in a stunning piece of jewellery that you can wear with pride.
Bubble Machine
Power your own fun and enjoy a delightful flurry of bubbles! Turn your amazing leg power into clean electricity to keep the bubble machine powered up, creating a mesmerizing display of bubbles that float and dance around you. Join the fun and experience the joy of bubbles like never before!
Pedal Emporium
This is a great bit of teamwork in action. One person jumps on the bike, and gets pedaling to power up the spin art machine, using their leg power to generate electricity. Another person can then add paint colours in to the machine to make a unique and colourful piece of artwork to take home.
Plant Propagation
Plant propagation is an engaging and interactive workshop, allowing young people to learn how to take cuttings from a diverse selection of foliage and pot them properly. Participants will get to take home a plant or a mini bottle garden, and for many, this will be the exciting start of a wonderful plant collection that they can nurture and grow.
Animal Interactive
Animals Interactive is more than an animal encounters company! We’re proud to deliver accredited educational programmes, recognised animal-assisted therapy, and high-quality events that promote wellbeing. Our mission is to provide meaningful interactions that foster understanding, joy, and growth.
Pallet City
At Create Play, we empower kids with real tools to solve real challenges and build imaginative structures. Guided by experienced playworkers and 'Palleteers,' children design and construct a world of pallet houses, forts, bridges, and more. This unique approach fosters autonomy, trust, and lasting memories.
Multi-Agency Conference
The multi-agency conference at the Wales Young Carers Festival is a key event where various organisations come together to offer tailored support and guidance to young carers. The conference features representatives from vital services such as the police, Meic (the national information, advice, and advocacy service), the Welsh Youth Parliament, and others. Each agency provides valuable information about the support they offer to young carers, helping them understand the resources available to them.
During the conference, young carers have the opportunity to engage directly with these agencies, ask questions, and gain insights into how each service can assist them in their unique situations. Whether it’s learning about safety and rights from the police, accessing advice from Meic, or getting involved with the Welsh Youth Parliament, the conference ensures that young carers are well-informed and supported in all aspects of their lives. This event is a cornerstone of the festival, promoting collaboration between young carers and the services dedicated to helping them thrive.
Meic
Meic is a national service offering information, advice, and advocacy for children and young people in Wales. Available 24/7, Meic provides free, confidential support on any issue, from school and home life to mental health. Young people can contact Meic by phone, text, or online chat, ensuring they are always heard and supported. Meic helps young people find answers, access resources, and ensure their voices are heard, empowering them to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
The Welsh Youth Parliament
The Welsh Youth Parliament is a platform giving young people in Wales a voice on issues that matter to them. Composed of elected representatives aged 11 to 18, the Parliament allows young people to shape policies and decisions that affect their lives. Members discuss key topics, campaign for change, and work with decision-makers to influence Wales's future. This unique opportunity empowers young people to make a real difference in their communities and the wider society.
Carers Trust Wales
Carers Trust Wales is a charity supporting unpaid carers of all ages across Wales. They offer essential services, information, and advice to help carers manage their responsibilities while maintaining their own wellbeing. Their support includes respite care, financial guidance, and emotional assistance. They also advocate for carers' rights, working to influence policy and improve support systems. Carers Trust Wales is dedicated to ensuring carers have access to the resources they need across Wales.
Reaching Wider
Reaching Wider is a Welsh initiative aimed at increasing access to higher education for people from underrepresented backgrounds. The programme works to break down barriers by offering tailored support, outreach activities, and educational opportunities. Partnering with schools, colleges, and community organisations, Reaching Wider inspires and empowers individuals to pursue further education, regardless of their circumstances, fostering a more inclusive and diverse educational environment across Wales.
University of South Wales
University of South Wales (USW) is a dynamic institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. With campuses in Treforest, Glyntaff, and Treforest, USW provides high-quality education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong links with industry. The university is committed to student success, offering support services, career advice, and a vibrant campus life, all aimed at helping students achieve their academic and professional goals in a supportive environment.
Dyfed Police
Dyfed-Powys Police is the territorial police force responsible for the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys in Wales. Committed to ensuring safety and security, they work closely with communities to prevent crime, protect vulnerable individuals, and provide support to victims. Dyfed-Powys Police offers a range of services, including community policing, crime prevention advice, and emergency response, dedicated to maintaining peace and safety across the region.
Our Special Guests
At the Wales Young Carers Festival, we are thrilled to welcome an array of special guests who bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our young carers. This year, we are excited to have the local fire brigade joining us to share vital safety tips and fire prevention strategies. Their interactive sessions aim to empower young carers with essential life skills and safety knowledge.
In addition, we are honored to have acclaimed author Onjali Q. Raúf as one of our distinguished guests. Known for her impactful storytelling and advocacy for children’s rights, Onjali engages with attendees through inspiring talks and book signings. Her presence adds a unique dimension to the festival, providing young carers with both practical advice and motivational support. Together, our guests contribute to making this event a memorable and enriching experience for all.
Mid & West Wales Fire Service
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting communities across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys. The service focuses on fire prevention, emergency response, and safety education. They work to reduce fire risks, respond to emergencies, and provide support during incidents. With a commitment to community engagement, they offer safety advice, run educational programs, and work with local partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people in their region.
Onjali Q. Raúf
University of South Wales (USW) is a dynamic institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. With campuses in Treforest, Glyntaff, and Treforest, USW provides high-quality education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong links with industry. The university is committed to student success, offering support services, career advice, and a vibrant campus life, all aimed at helping students achieve their academic and professional goals in a supportive environment.
2024 Summary
The Wales Young Carers Festival was packed with a wide range of activities designed to entertain, engage, and inspire. For the creatively inclined, there were arts & crafts, silver ring and bangle making, hat and headdress workshops, and plant propagation. Music lovers enjoyed music production workshops, while the small stage provided an opportunity to share talents and stories. There was face painting, body glitter, and a graffiti area for those who loved self-expression.
For high-energy fun, attendees tried the bouncy castle, rodeo sheep, gladiator duel, bungee run, assault course, and sumo suits wrestling. Sports enthusiasts participated in penalty shootouts. Those looking to relax headed to the chillout zone or Pallet City (Wednesday only) and enjoyed the fire pit in the evenings.
Opening and closing ceremonies featured meet-and-greets and celebrations, including a project photo competition. Informational sessions by Carers Trust Wales and Children in Wales offered valuable insights, alongside activities by the University of South Wales. Additional highlights included a karaoke room, cinema, animal interactions, circus skills, and a disco.