Thanks to the Hedley Foundation’s grant of £2000 we were able to run summer holiday activities for Eastleigh Young Carers in 2025. We ran one 2-night residential for 14 young people and one day visit for 16 young people. All were aged 10-16.
What did we do?
- Wildlife activities – pond dipping, bat walk and a moth survey.
- Campfires – including cooking “nourish my roots” and “green goddess” soups on the fire.
- Whittling – using bushcraft knives to whittle a flower.
- Games – meet a tree, manhunt, uno.
- Plenty of free time – as requested by the young people!
- Preparing meals and washing up in teams (supported by adults).
Positive impacts for the young people
- They had a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities and difficult home lives.
- They learnt about wildlife, including bats, moths, newts, dragonflies and other pond creatures.
- They experienced off-grid living in a high-quality, wildlife-rich woodland – including compost toilets and no mobile phones.
- Friendships were made and teamwork skills were strengthened.
- They tried new foods (especially when cooked on the campfire, and what they had cooked themselves!).
- They went away with new cooking skills.
Case study
Tamsin* is very shy and usually speaks quickly and quietly if at all. In the group, she tends to keep to herself. She is very keen on wildlife, and we see a different person in her at Hazel Hill Wood, particularly during wildlife-focused activities. Tamsin was putting her hand up and answering questions about bats with the whole group, which she doesn’t usually do. When Tamsin gets the chance to speak about things she’s interested in, like wildlife, she slows down, speaks up and chooses to interact with other people, including young people. Tamsin and Leo* stayed on to keep chatting to the moth survey volunteers and see more moths when everyone else had gone back for cake and custard. It is heartwarming to see Tamsin flourish in this environment.
*names changed
What next?
Following the success of these visits, we are now planning for a bigger and better 2026, reaching more young carers who will benefit from respite, education and fun at Hazel Hill Wood. We also plan to extend our opportunities to adult carers.