A GROUP of young carers enjoyed a break from their normal routines for their annual winter celebration event at Carden Park.

Organised by 20 staff and volunteers from Cheshire Young Carers (CYC), the event was supported by M&S Bank and Carden Park Hotel.

A total 65 young carers, aged between six and 18, spent the day playing games and winning prizes. But there was also a more focused side to the day, which involved some of the older carers leading activities designed to help the younger ones share their ideas and thoughts about the service.

The event was rounded off with a three-course meal.

Lindsay Weaver, project manager, said: “At Cheshire Young Carers we value the voice of these inspiring young people. We want to know how they feel about this service and to be able to offer support that is innovative, creative and, above all, actually makes a real difference to their lives.

“The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and the results of the consultation will be used to shape the service in the coming years. Huge thanks to all those who supported this event and helped to make it a success.”

The Cheshire Young Carers Project (CYC) offers vital support to children and young people who live with a parent or sibling who suffers from severe physical illness, physical disability, mental illness or entrenched substance misuse.

The children often experience great difficulty during their young lives due to the combined pressures of growing up while caring for a loved one.

Without a group of committed volunteers, the CYC could not support the 180 young carers registered on the project.

Carden Park provided the venue for the celebration event free of charge.

Simon Heartfield, director of sales at the four-star hotel, golf resort and spa, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the young carers and volunteers to spend the day at Carden Park. It is such a worthy project and it was fantastic to see so many of the children smiling and having fun.”

Carden Park hosts charity events throughout the year, including golf days and gala dinners. As part of its offering to charities, the hotel will assist with additional promotion, including creating a page on its website and via social media.