EVC Summer 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 24
A CAREFREE WEEKEND
On a sunny Friday in May,
14 young people arrived for
two days of adventure at
Brathay Trust in Cumbria.
Organised by the Trust and
funded by EVOLVE Advice,
it was a precious weekend
away for a group of young
carers, to give them a break
from their responsibilities.
rriving with the children were
Karen Lightley and AnneMarie Johnstone from Carers
Northumberland, who knew just
how important and life-changing
this weekend could be. “Some of the
children we work with have never
been out of the town that they live
in,” says Anne-Marie. “A lot of young
carers can’t go on school residentials
because of the cost or because they
can’t leave the person they’re caring
for, so they miss out on those really
important experiences. But they need
it more than most.”
A
"To come here and
meet people who are
like them is hugely
valuable. Some amazing
friendships develop and
that’s lovely to see"
"It’s only the second day
and we’ve done loads of
things. The waterfall was
probably my favourite"
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Set in the heart of the Lake District,
Brathay's residential centre offers
every kind of outdoor activity, from
kayaking, canoeing and raft-building
to ghyll scrambling, high ropes
and hiking in the surrounding hills.
Everyone is encouraged to give
everything a try, but never pushed
– the aim is for young people to set
their own goals and choose their
challenges.
