In July 2005, a pioneering scheme devised by Land in partnership with the Young Carers’ Project resulted in the first ever arts-based course for young people who care for an incapacitated adult.
The 4-day residential course, held at Whitehough Outdoor Education Centre near the village of Barley in Pendle, enabled 50 young carers from across East Lancashire to enjoy a complete break from routine. They immersed themselves in arts activities led by six professional artists, including mask- and puppet-making, willow-weaving, music and drama, culminating in a performance. In keeping with the aims of Land they also left behind an artistic legacy in the form of willow sculptures of a heron and a unicorn in the landscape for others to enjoy.
The young people were centrally involved in planning and organising their week, and their activities were filmed and photographed to provide them with a lasting reminder. At a celebratory event at Burnley Mechanics in October, attended by 82 people including the Mayor of Rossendale, each member of the course was presented with a souvenir DVD.
Said Sarah Hartley from the Young Carers’ Project, “We wanted to offer a residential course that was different and we were thrilled to be involved in this unique activity”.
