The Cornwall Rural Community Council’s (CRCC) Young Carers Project took a group of young carers to the 10th Young Carers Festival organised by The Children’s Society and YMCA over the weekend, 26-28 June 2009.

Tim Loughton, Conservative MP and Shadow Minister for Children and John Coughlan, Director of Children’s Services Hampshire officiated the celebrations, helping to launch a young carers forum and the boating regatta while speaking with young carers.

The 1,500 young carers attending the Festival were handed over a special message from the Prime Minister and personal video messages of support from stars of the world of entertainment and sport including Sir David Jason, Paul O’Grady, Chris Tarrant, Ryan Giggs, Jo Brand and Eastender’s Melissa Suffield.

The Festival gives this forgotten group of children a rare moment to enjoy their childhood and a chance to have their voices heard as they describe what needs to change for them and their families to help make their lives easier.

Phillipa, a young carer from Cornwall who attended the event says “Caring for my mum can be hard work especially as her condition has increasing become worse over the last year.

The Young Carers festival really helped me along with 19 others from the Cornwall Young Carers Project, to just relax and chat to old and new friends. Whilst most of the boys were off playing 5 aside football the rest of us were enjoying the good weather and the range of activities on offer. On Saturday afternoon we entered 2 boats in the Hawaiian regatta race and one best dressed boat.

As this was the 10th anniversary of the young carers festival the fireworks were even more breath taking than before, putting everyone in the mood for a party on our last night before having to go home once more”.

For further information, or for an interview please contact Dawn or Millie 01029 614955