Youth
Benmore
‘It made me laugh when Shannon’s wellies fell in the water’ Just one of
the quotes from one of the young carers who attended a weekend visit to
Benmore Outdoor Education Centre sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Corstorphine. Other
repeatable quotes were: ‘I
loved driving the speed boat and climbing the wall’, ‘The scariest thing
was the night walk’, ‘My favourite thing was the gorge walking’, Well
who wouldn’t laugh when wellies fall in the water?
Based close to Easter Road,
Edinburgh, Young Carers Project (EYCP) take
referrals from a variety of sources to support
children and young people who help look after someone else in their
family, from age 5 to 25 years of age.
Young carers help look after family members with
a number of serious and chronic problems including, cancers,
addiction, stroke, severe and enduring mental health problems, multiple
sclerosis and diabetes, to name but a few. Without suitable support
intense caring may affect young carers in a number of different ways
including: education, ability to make friends, emotional health,
physical health, confidence and self esteem.
EYCP
organise activities, discussions, support and a chance to meet other
young carers and have fun.
It offers young carers a chance to make new friends and get a
break from their caring situation at home. As well as providing a safe
space to talk about young carers’ issues it is also recognised that
young carers need ‘time-out’ to just be young.
The Rotary Club of Corstorphine was delighted to be able to sponsor a
group of 10 children and leader from EYCP to attend an outward bound
type weekend at Benmore Outdoor Centre.
Benmore is a non-profit making organisation, run by the City of Edinburgh Council Children and Families
Department. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, a safe and
exciting range of adventure activities for young and old alike are
provided. Built within the grounds of the spectacular Botanic Gardens -
an out-station of the Royal
Botanic Garden, Edinburgh - Benmore has been
an established outdoor activity centre for over forty years. Whether
you’re looking for an all-action adventure holiday or a quiet retreat in
the breathtaking splendour of the gardens with an organised weekend of
sketching, photography or bird-watching, Benmore provides the perfect
base
I think one more quote from a young carer………………‘It was quality, man.’
