Over 20 young carers enjoyed Beach and Fun week at Toms Surf and Beach last week. A week full of water sports activities, fun and relaxation. 'They were able to escape the daily worries and caring tasks for a while and enjoy a carefree time with like-minded people,' young carers' consultant Wouter Biesmans looks back with satisfaction.
Being carefree
The week was packed with all kinds of fun activities such as surfing, supping, canoeing forest games, fishing, archery and expedition Robinson games. At lunchtime, the children enjoyed a communal lunch sponsored by, Hajé, Toms Creek and supermarket Plus Postma. And the dishes? They were happy to leave those. 'We do that deliberately. We encourage them to be carefree for a while,' explains Wouter Biesmans.
Unforgettable time
According to Wouter, these children often bear a great, sometimes heavy responsibility, but during this week of activities, it is all about them. 'It is the togetherness, the conversations and the sharing of experiences with peers who understand what they are going through that makes these moments so valuable.'
Carefree week for young carers
The Beach & Fun week was held by Welzijn Lelystad, Rotary Lelystad-Batavia and Toms Beach & Surf and is aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 24 growing up with a family member with a chronic illness, disability, addiction or mental illness.
Emotional and practical help
We support young carers with emotional and practical help. Wouter: 'In the Netherlands, 1 in 4 children between the ages of 4 and 18 is a young carer, which is a lot. These children usually do not show excessive behaviour. On the contrary, they are extremely helpful and involved. That sometimes makes them invisible to care services.'
