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Welcome to our latest May and June edition of the Young Carers Newsletter!
(Brought to you by Araya Worsley).
In this issue, we’re celebrating our recent competition winners, sharing new opportunities and ideas for things to do this May half-term.
This edition brings you updates, events, and information designed to support and celebrate our incredible young carers. We’re also approaching Carers Week and will be sharing some ideas on how you can get involved!
We hope you find something in this newsletter that’s helpful, positive, or inspiring as the days get brighter and we head further into spring.
If you have any good news, events, achievements, or opportunities you’d like to share in future editions, please get in touch at araya.worsley@manchester.gov.uk
To help us manage opportunities fairly and safely, all requests relating to items, events, activities or giveaways featured in this newsletter should be made through your school or setting’s Young Carer Champion or other practitioner, unless otherwise specified. We kindly ask that families and young people do not contact our team directly.
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School Young Carers Champion 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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Carers Week 2026 will take place from Monday, 8 June to Sunday, 14 June 2026 , with the theme "Building Carer Friendly Communities." We warmly invite you to get involved and help us celebrate the invaluable contribution of young carers in Manchester. Whether you fancy organising a special breakfast, setting up a cinema club, or planning enjoyable activities with young carers in your setting, every effort makes a real difference in helping them feel valued and supported.
If you choose to take part, we’d love to hear what you have planned—please do share your activities with us at araya.worsley@manchester.gov.uk. You can also read about some of the exciting activities taking place to celebrate young carers during Carers Week below.
Don’t forget to visit the carers webpages for more ideas, inspiration, and useful resources.
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The Manchester Young Carers My Plan is currently being redesigned, and your input is invaluable to make sure it truly meets the needs of young carers. If you are a young carer, a parent, a professional, or someone interested in supporting young carers in Manchester, we would love to hear from you.
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Congratulations Noor, a young carer from Ashbury Meadow Primary School! Winning the Spring Splash Art Competition is an amazing achievement, something to be very proud of. Noor's artwork stood out because of it's creativity, imagination, and effort.
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You did a fantastic job bringing the feeling of spring to life with your ideas and colours!
Here is Noor with her winning entry and £10 The Works voucher!
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Big applause for Muskan in Year 8—our Star Book Reviewer of the Month!
Muskan’s review of My Sister is Missing by Sophie McKenzie is packed with insight and energy, spotlighting what makes this gripping mystery must-read. Their words leapt off the page and made us want to dive straight into the book ourselves!
Note: Recommended for ages 12+ (based on publisher and literacy guidance). We encourage a parent, carer or trusted adult to review the book to ensure suitability for individual readers
The full review will be accessible on the Manchester Young Carers Zone webpages coming soon!
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It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and we know the books will continue to be enjoyed by young carers and their families at home!
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Last week, Strawberry the Young Carers Cat made a very special visit to Charlestown Primary School.
They had lots of fun playing board games and getting to meet new members of their Young Carers Group – a lovely reminder to all children that you are not alone, and that they have a community of young carers and all have a friend in Strawberry.
If you would like Strawberry the Cat to visit your school or venue, you can find more details on how to request a FREE booking later in this newsletter.
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Do you love escaping into another world through the magic of reading? We invite all young carers to share their favourite books with others by submitting your own book reviews! This is your chance to recommend stories you enjoy, inspire fellow young carers, and help us build a reading community.
Your reviews will be featured in our Young Carers Zone on our Help and Support Manchester webpage. Each month, one review will be chosen as our Book Review of the Month, and the lucky reviewer will receive a special gift or voucher as a thank you for their contribution.
So, grab your favourite book, write a review, and send it in! Whether it's adventure, fantasy, or a heartfelt story, we can't wait to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Happy reading!
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Share Your Favourite Safe Spaces & Activities
Are you a young carer with a favourite place or activity that makes you feel safe and happy? We’d love to hear about it! Whether it’s a park, youth club, book club, chess club, or any free event where you enjoy spending time, your story could inspire others and help them find their own safe space.
How to Share Your Story, complete the form all submissions should be sent through your school or young carer champion.
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Celebrate Carers Week with Award-Winning KS2 Author Rab Ferguson, including reading & alien-making! KS2 Assembly on Tuesday 9th June 10am-10.45am
To celebrate Carers Awareness Week and the National Year of Reading, join award-winning author Rab Ferguson on Tuesday 9th June from 10am-10.45am for a morning of amazing aliens and out of this world adventures! In this special interactive event, Rab will read from The Late Crew, where young carers meet aliens, and talk about why he chose young carers as the heroes of the story. Schools across the country will join in with voting to help make up an alien creature for Rab to draw, encouraging kids to use their imagination and try making up their own stories!
This event is suitable for all of Key Stage 2, and will support raising young carer awareness in your school while engaging children with an exciting book series.
Rab Ferguson claims he has never met an alien in real life, but we can't be sure. He's the author of the award-winning The Late Crew series (Best Independent Young Reader 2023, Children's Literature Festival Book Awards, & Kindness in Action Award 2025, MyTime Young Carers Community Hero Award) about young carers and aliens.
When not writing, he works for the National Literacy Trust, supporting children and families to read together, and encouraging everyone to join in with the National Year of Reading! www.thelatecrew.co.uk
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Celebrate Carers Week with Amazing KS1 Author-Illustrator Ana Graça, including reading and draw-along!
KS1 Assembly on Wednesday 10th June 10am-10.30am
To celebrate Carers Awareness Week and the National Year of Reading, join amazing author illustrator Ana Graça on Wednesday 10th June from 10am-10.30am for a morning of Young Carers, bunnies, space, and magical adventures! In this special interactive event, Ana will read from Young Carers in Bunnyland, a picture book series specially designed for young carers aged 5-7. Ana will lead a draw-along so everyone can have a go at drawing characters from the book! Ana will be joined by fellow children's author Rab Ferguson who will help introduce the discussion.
This event is suitable for all of Key Stage 1, and will support raising awareness around the youngest young carers in school, while also engaging children with reading and drawing.
Ana Graça is an illustrator and filmmaker from Brazil, now based in London. She specialises in children's illustrations and loves to create whimsical illustrations!
Ana has had five picture books published as an illustrator, including two about young carers where she was also the author. Ana is currently studying a Masters in Children's Illustration at Goldsmiths University in London. https://www.pixieana.com/
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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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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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Ripples of Arty joy, brings together artwork made through poetry, craft, film, ceramics, sound and storytelling by community groups from across Manchester. Led by artists and shaped by participants, the display shares personal stories and celebrates creativity, connection and wellbeing.
A warm and inspiring exhibition that highlights the creativity of local people and the power of art to bring communities together.
16 March 2026 - 14 June 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm at Home. Free to attend.
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Check out Loads to Do for what’s happening in your local area and across the city this May half term. There’s plenty on offer across parks, sports, libraries, galleries and more to keep you and your family entertained without breaking the bank. |
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Aged 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. Free and no need to sign up, just drop in! Discover this and other events at Library Live.
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As part of Men’s Health Week 2026 (15th – 21st June) we want to make sure Young Carers are included. That’s why Manchester Men Speak Up – the only city-wide men’s health & care forum – want to interview a young man like you and get your voice heard out there.
We can offer you a £30 cash bursary for an hour of your time. This will involve a video interview with a series of questions related to your health and care issues. The completed video will be posted on the forum and promoted as part of a range of initiatives throughout Men’s Health Week. You’ll be sent the questions in advance to make sure you’re ok with them.
If you’re interested in this opportunity then please contact Dan Roberts: daniel.roberts@healthwatchmanchester.co.uk with ‘EoI Young male carer interview’ in the subject line. We have to operate on a first come first served basis.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
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Are you aged 16-25 and living in Manchester?
Do you look after someone who would not be able to manage without you? Have your say on services that affect you!
We would love to hear from you about your current experience as a Young Adult Carer, how it affects you, and what support you think is needed.
Please complete the survey via the link below:
Survey
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RUN THE SHOW: EVENTS PLANNING COURSE🎪
1ST JUNE - 5TH JUNE | 10AM - 4PM
FREE PARKLIFE TICKET!
Learn how to plan an event from start to finish, gain insider advice from industry professionals at Green Island Festival, The Warehouse Project, SFTOC, Beyond The Music and pitch your idea. To top it off, we’re giving away:
- A half price ticket toGreen Island Festival if you sign up
- A FREE Parklife ticket for completing the course
Eligibility: Aged 19-30, Unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week, Living in Manchester
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CREATIVE WRITING🖋️
28TH MAY - 29TH JUNE | 10AM - 4PM | EVERY MON & THURS
Discover your creativity every Monday and Thursday at Reform Radio with our 6-week creative writing programme. Explore old and new ideas, develop your writing style, and bring your stories to life.
Travel and lunch provided.
Eligibility: Aged 19+, Unemployed, Living in Manchester
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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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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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