Ormiston Venture Academy welcomed over 60 young carers from across Great Yarmouth for a day of celebration, connection and support.
The event, hosted by the academy in collaboration with a network of local organisations, was designed to give young carers a well-earned opportunity to relax, have fun and connect with peers who share similar experiences. With inflatable games, creative workshops and even a hands-on animal session with owls and rabbits from Fritton Owl Sanctuary, the day offered a rare and joyful break from daily responsibilities.
Staff and volunteers from The Benjamin Foundation, Norfolk County Council Family Hubs, GYGYC and Caring Together were also in attendance, helping to deliver the event and offer information and support to both children and school staff.
In addition to fun-filled activities for the young carers, the day included specialist training for local primary school staff, delivered by students from Venture’s Youth Advisory Board in partnership with the Great Yarmouth YAB. The sessions focused on the challenges young carers face and how schools can better support them.
Feedback from the children captured the spirit of the day, with one describing it as “the best day ever”, while Lou Thorpe, founder of Fritton Owl Sanctuary, said “it was a joy to be part of such a meaningful day”.
Looking ahead, the academy hopes to make the Young Carers Funday an annual event, with plans to expand its reach to include more secondary schools in future.
Owen Cooper, Young Carer Lead at Ormiston Venture Academy, said: “This day was about celebrating our young carers here at Venture and in the wider community – giving them joy, a voice, and the recognition they deserve. Watching them laugh, connect, and thrive reminded us all why these events matter. As far as we know, this is one of the first events of its kind in the area, and we’re proud to have hosted it at Venture.”
Jo Robson, Regional Enrichment and Social Action Co-ordinator for Ormiston Academies Trust, added: “It was truly inspiring to see Venture’s young carers take the lead in welcoming and supporting their peers. From games to creative sessions, every activity gave these incredible young people the chance to simply enjoy being children. They give so much to others – this event was about giving something back to them.”