CHILDREN as young as five who act as carers for their loved ones are being given the chance to “be kids” with a series of fun activities at Warrington Museum & Art Gallery.
The Culture Warrington venue is hosting four activity sessions for members of Wired Young Carers with the aim of giving them a break from the huge responsibility that rests on their young shoulders.
Mike Roberts, visitor services officer, explained how the museum team had invited the youngsters, aged between five and 11, to sessions before and were keen to continue supporting them in the future.
He said: “The group used to come along of their own accord but when we learned how difficult their lives can be we thought let’s do something different just for them.
“Children like these care for parents who have a range of issues, including physical disabilities.
“Each of them has taken on that responsibility and they deserve our admiration and support.
“It’s not just the fact they’re dealing with it at home but they often also get picked on at school because of it.
“Coming here is a chance for them to feel a bit special, these sessions are designed just for them, and they’re around other children who are going through the same thing.”
This summer’s sessions have been inspired by the museum’s Around the World exhibition which tells the story of Victorian explorers who left the safe confines of the British Isles to travel the seas in search of new land and adventure.
The activities cover themes such as On the Trail of a Yeti and A Headhunting Expedition and feature challenges only to be undertaken by the pluckiest of children!
Mr Roberts added: “These children have had to become very mature for their age and we wanted to channel that confidence so the activities include an element of performance as well as encouraging them to make something they can take home with them.
“For example, for On the Trail of the Yeti they designed their own traps and then hunted one of the team (the yeti) around the museum.
“The children are very enthusiastic and seem to really enjoy their time here.
“They’re such a great group of young people who have a lot going on in their lives: if we can take them away from that for a few hours and give them a chance to just be kids, that’s really worthwhile.”
