Nurture Club & Young Carers Evenings

Nurture Club

Nurture Club is a weekly after school 2 hour nature club for local children aged 8-10 identified as having limited access to after school clubs and activities and/or limited access to free play and time spent in nature due to families having financial difficulties, they are young carers or in need of social, emotional and mental health support.

The sessions take place 5 times every school half term with the same children attending for one year allowing them to develop a sense of place, a connection with the natural environment and each other. It will allow them to experience and notice seasonal change and celebrate natures events through the year.

“I feel excited and happy coming here. We get a chance to have a special experience in nature and disconnect from technology. I have learnt how to light a fire. I love playing in the dark and lying in the hammock. Being here is a time to let it all out. If I am worried in the week and full of anxiety, I can let it all out here and not worry about it all. We have all become really good friends, even with the children from different schools who are a different age to us. Everyone is nice to each other, and we look after each other.”

Young Carers Evenings

We run monthly young carers evenings. A young carer is someone under 18 who looks after a parent or another family member. They take on a range of physical and emotional duties that adults usually handle, from housework to personal care. Being a young carer can affect a child's  health and well-being. Many report feeling stressed, anxious and isolated. Nearly a quarter of young carers aged 11-15 regularly miss school due to their caring responsibilities. The resulting negative effect on the future is obvious. Many young carers report that they find it difficult to make and sustain  friendships and do not look forward to school holidays because of their isolation and lack of opportunities to get out of the house.

The aim of the project is to give young carers respite from their caring responsibilities for a few hours a month.  They have the opportunity to be children and focus on their own needs and mental health in our beautiful well-being garden. Research shows that being in nature reduces stress and anxiety. The children have the opportunity to engage in nature-based activities including playing games, crafts and cooking on the campfire. They learn new skills and have fun with other children their own age who have shared experiences.

"The best thing about tonight is that I made a new friend. We had never met before, but we had lots to talk about."

"I really loved it all, especially playing with everyone."

"Can we come again?"

"I liked the peace and quiet."

"Being here has made me very happy."

The spaces on these clubs are referral only. To find out more please email info@space2grow.space