Shropshire young carers launch new exhibition
Ten talented young carers from Shropshire have unveiled a thought-provoking collection of artwork this week, as part of a unique project in a creative partnership between the British Red Cross and the Hive Music and Media Centre.
The group of young carers from the British Red Cross Young Carers Forum in Shropshire have worked with professional artists over several weeks, leading to the exhibition which portrays caring through the medium of photography and art. The show follows hot on the heels of ‘Priceless’, an innovative documentary film which debuted earlier this year.
It is estimated that there are more than 900 young carers in Shropshire and the British Red Cross Young Carers Project was established in 2000 to support young people aged 15-19 within the local area. It supports young people up to the age of 19 who provide a caring role for a relative, who is either ill, disabled, suffering with mental health difficulties or has alcohol/drug related issues.
The Red Cross project aims to give young carers an opportunity to take a break from their responsibilities at home with a diverse variety of activities. Groups meet on a monthly basis in their local towns, providing the opportunity for the young carers to have fun and take some time out, whilst sharing their experiences with people who are dealing with the same situation on a daily basis.
Naomi aged 14, one of the participants said “It’s been a great project and I’ve really enjoyed it. I love art and being able to draw how I feel about caring is great. I hope that people will see and understand how we feel about caring and the types of jobs we do.”
Vanessa Turner, Young Carers Project Manager for the British Red Cross said “We have been lucky enough to work in partnership with the Hive to curate the centre’s gallery space, allowing the young carers to explore and express their feelings about the various caring aspects they undertake. We hope the general public and also professionals will be able to gain an understanding of these young carers and exactly what they do.”
The project has been funded by a local charitable trust and the artwork will remain on show at the Hive until 21 November before being transported around the Shropshire area. For more information about the young carers project or the British Red Cross, call the Youth and Young Carers Team on 01743 280070.
