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Welcome to the April edition of the Young Carers Newsletter! Brought to you by Araya Worsley.
As we head into a new month, we’re excited to share updates, opportunities, and information to support all our amazing young carers. April brings plenty of chances to get involved, try something new, and stay connected with the support available to you.
We hope this edition gives you something helpful, uplifting, or simply interesting to take into the weeks ahead. Thank you, as always, for everything you do.
If you have any good news, events, or opportunities you’d like included in future editions, please contact araya.worsley@manchester.gov.uk.
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We’re sad to say goodbye to Charlotte Askew, our wonderful young carer champion at The East Manchester Academy, who is moving on to become a drama teacher at another school. Charlotte has inspired so many young carers with her kindness and dedication, and we wish her the very best in her new adventure. We’re looking forward to meeting the new champion and continuing our work with The East Manchester Academy.
Charlotte and the young carers at The East Manchester Academy teamed up with Media Cubs to create a short film, highlighting the importance of spotting and supporting young carers in schools. You can watch their inspiring video here.
Photo: Charlotte taking part in the Media Cubs
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School Young Carer Champions Network Meeting: The virtual network is for school champions and provides an opportunity to connect, share our good practice, new resources and work together.
Our next meeting will take place via TEAMs on 3rd June 2026 10-11am. If you wish to join us and haven’t already received an invite, please email kelly.hockaday@manchester.gov.uk
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Celebrating Creative Collaboration at HOME Cinema and Theatre
Earlier this month we delivered young carer awareness training to the creative artists and performers who partner with HOME cinema and theatre. Their openness to learning and willingness to share their unique perspectives made for an inspiring experience. The group brought forward incredibly thoughtful content, drawing on their lived experiences to enrich discussions and offer genuine insight.
Their enthusiasm and dedication are a credit to our community, and now many are keen to seek out young carers and explore ways to support them passionately.
Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed so generously. If you would like to learn more about achieving our free SPACES award.
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Just a gentle reminder that Berry the Cat is very popular, and his diary fills up quickly. If you would like Berry to attend your session, please make sure you book him in advance so he can attend your preferred date.
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Manchester City Council has launched an ambitious new programme that puts physical activity at the heart of the city’s drive to reduce health inequalities – opening up more opportunities for residents to get active, improve their wellbeing, and enjoy inclusive, community‑focused sport and movement, all while ensuring those facing the greatest barriers are supported through targeted interventions to help create a healthier, fairer, and more connected Manchester.
The programme includes the provision of a free junior membership for all Manchester residents at secondary school aged 11-16, going live from May half term.
The new membership builds on the existing citywide Free Swim for 16 and Under offer and will be extended to include both free junior gym and free fitness classes.
This means that from late May 2026, all Manchester resident secondary school children between the ages of 11 to 16 will be able to access a free funded membership at the following council operated leisure centres across the city. Parents / guardians of eligible children can complete the pre-registration form below and will be contacted directly with further details.
PARTICIPATING LEISURE CENTRES
- Arcadia Leisure Centre
- Abraham Moss Leisure Centre
- Belle Vue Sports Village (no swim)
- Broadway Baths
- East Manchester Leisure Centre
- Hough End Leisure Centre
- Manchester Aquatics Centre
- Moss Side Leisure Centre
- North City Family & Fitness Centre
- Whalley Range Sports Centre (no swim)
- Wythenshawe Forum
Free Junior Gym - MCRactive - Get active in Manchester
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We are delighted to announce that Parrswood High School has been awarded the Manchester Young Carers in Schools Award. This achievement is a testament to their outstanding commitment to supporting young carers within their community.
Among the many fantastic initiatives highlighted in their application, the school meets once a week at lunchtime, offering games and snacks to provide a welcoming environment for young carers. Every young carer is matched with a trusted adult, ensuring they always have someone to turn to for support.
Congratulations to Parrswood High School for creating such a caring and inclusive environment!
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The Young Carers in School Award was created in partnership with schools that truly understand the everyday realities faced by young carers. This initiative is about making sure every young carer is visible, supported, heard and celebrated. The award follows a clear six-step model, aligning seamlessly with existing school activities, and provides all the tools, resources and templates you’ll need.
You can access the Manchester Young Carers in Schools Award here.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’re here to help—schools can book a call or an in-person visit with Kelly Hockaday, our Young Carers Operational Lead, for a guided walk-through of the award and its benefits. Email araya.worsley@manchester.gov.uk.
Together, let’s make a lasting difference for young carers in our communities.
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If you have a positive story to share or celebrate a young carer we’d love to hear from you!
Please email us with any photos, celebrations or news- and don’t forget to ensure that you have consent from parent or carer before sharing images or personal information.
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Our Book Review Competition is ongoing to celebrate the joy and benefits of reading.
Reading is one of those small pleasures that brings big rewards. Whether it’s getting lost in a story, learning something new, or simply taking a quiet moment for ourselves, reading helps us slow down and switch off from the noise of everyday life. A good book can make us laugh, think differently, or see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Have you read a book you couldn’t put down? Or one that really made you think? We’d love to hear about it!
Write a short review using these templates as prompts Book Review Template
Book Review Template
All book reviews will be saved on our webpages for others to enjoy, by submitting a book review, you are confirming consent for your review to be published online and in our newsletter. One Star Reviewer will receive a book token and feature in our future newsletter! Reviews should be submitted via your school Young Carers Champion.
Happy reading – and we can’t wait to see your recommendations! Please send your completed reviews to araya.worsley@manchester.gov.uk
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Join the next SEND Drop In on Wednesday 22nd April at Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Portway, Wythenshawe M22 1QW.
This free event is aimed at parents/carers and young people with SEND up to 25 in the Manchester City Council area.
It offers a chance to talk to a range of services and get support. Your children don’t need to have a diagnosis. Professionals welcome too. Visit the website to read more.
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Women's T20 Cricket World Cup - Community Ticket offer
Manchester Individuals, families, friends, and groups can apply for complimentary tickets to the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup:
Emirates Old Trafford, Talbot Road, Old Trafford, M16 0PX
· Friday, 26th June at 18:30 ·
· Sri Lanka vs. Scotland
Complete the form (via the link below) to request tickets. Tickets are limited and first come first serve basis and distributed by WT20CWC ticketing team; submitting the form does not guarantee tickets. Your contact details will only be shared with the WT20CWC ticketing team, who will send ticket details directly if you are successful.
CLICK HERE
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FREE School group visits at Chetham’s buildings and Libarary.
Workshops are available for school groups studying KS3–5 History and English Language.
These include a guided tour of Chetham’s buildings and Library, workshop activities connected to curriculum, and access to books and items from the collection that support your area of study. For KS5 we can also offer a careers and pathway Q&A with the Chetham’s Library team.
Thanks to a generous donation, these visits are FREE for schools in North West England between September 2025 and July 2026. Dates are limited so please contact joinin@chethams.com for more information and booking.
If you would like to be added to our schools newsletter to receive more information about activities and tours for schools at Chetham’s Library, please contact joinin@chethams.com
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Hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University, The Manchester Young Carers day is an opportunity for young people in Years 8-10 with caring responsibilities to visit a university campus and learn about what it is like to study at higher education.
For more information on how to get involved or register for a place, please visit Young Carers Day - Greater Manchester Higher
Manchester Metropolitan University is thrilled to announce the commencement of its annual, highly commended, programme, Success4Life. This project is open to all children with social care experience and young carers in Years 8 and 9 across Greater Manchester. For more information on how to get involved please visit GM Higher Events – Young Carers
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Newleaf Foundation is running free activity sessions for young carers aged 5-16. These fun, social sessions give young carers the chance to build confidence, learn life skills, and make friends in a relaxed, supportive setting outside of school.
Activities are age‑appropriate and focused on play, connection, and enjoyment.
Sessions are short‑term and activity‑based rather than formal support. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.
Read more about the sessions here.
Please note: these sessions are not a statutory service and do not replace existing support or assessments. For ongoing or targeted support, referrals should be made through the Manchester Young Carers pathway.
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Earth Day is a time to come together to celebrate our planet and think about how we can better care for the world we live in.
Bring your children along to one of our FREE creative activities, where they can make posters sharing why it’s important to protect our planet. All posters will be proudly displayed in the library after the sessions.
Event Details Arcadia Library Thursday 23 April, 3.30-4.30pm
Gorton Library Tuesday 21 April, 3.30-5.00pm (Includes a surprise film show!)
Hulme Library Wednesday 22 April, 3.30-4.30pm
Longsight Library Wednesday 22 April, 3.30-4.30pm
Moss Side Powerhouse Library Thursday 23 April, 4.30-5.30pm
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Action for Conservation (AFC) supports children and young people to become the next generation of environmental leaders, offering training and residential experiences that align with MCC’s Zero Carbon Strategy.
AFC is offering two completely free summer camps in the Peak District National Park (Edale). All transport, accommodation, and food are provided.
Who can attend?
Young people aged 12–16 (at the time of the camp) living in England or Wales.
When?
- Camp 1: Monday 3 – Friday 7 August
- Camp 2: Monday 17 – Friday 21 August
What’s included?
Participants will enjoy activities such as stargazing, learning about environmental issues and solutions, and building lasting friendships in an inspiring outdoor setting.
Application deadline: 4 May.
More information can be found in the Partner Toolkit linked below.
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Free gardening activities in Cheetham Hill. The sessions are a brilliant chance to feel the power of the outdoors and its impact on health & wellbeing.
Every Thursday 10:00am - 12:00pm until April 23rd.
At The Guidance Hub
Article originally published by Loads to Do
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Join us at Manchester Central Library, Lower Ground Floor, Saturday 25 April Enjoy an afternoon of magical storytelling and creativity:
2:00–3:00pm – Live performance
3:00–3:45pm – Puppet‑making workshop
Taliesin is a fantastical, heart‑warming and enchanting retelling of a classic Welsh myth. Filled with magic, shape‑shifting and an epic chase, this lively tale is brought to life through beautiful puppetry and Welsh poetic metre.
This storytelling theatre performance offers a truly immersive experience for children and adults alike. FREE event 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for ages 5+ – perfect for the whole family
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Thanks for joining us for this edition of the Young Carers Newsletter. Want to read more? All previous editions are available on our Help and Support Manchester Page. |
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