Fairthorne Group
Young Carers Festival
Since 2000, YMCA Fairthorne Manor has hosted an annual festival for young carers in conjunction with The Children's Society.
Young Carers from all over the UK
Groups of young carers and their project leaders from across Hampshire are joined by 1,500 others who travel from as far away as Scotland and the Isle of Man to attend the festival.
YCF Itinerary
For young carers, the festival is an opportunity to forget their responsibilities and have fun. The packed weekend programme of activities includes; 
- Outdoor pursuits
- Fireworks
- Arts activities
- Disco
- Campfire
- Live music
- A chance to relax
Most importantly, it gives young carers the chance to meet other young people with similar circumstances and to make lasting friendships.
Past Festivals
An important aspect of YCF has always been to raise the profile of the difficulties facing young carers and to gain more support from the government. Over recent years, young carers has certainly become a more prominent part of government policy thanks, in part, to the impact of YCF.
During the 2003 festival, young carers signed a 40ft letter demanding a meeting with the Minister for Children, Margaret Hodge to ask for more help and support.
During the 2008 festival, Children's Minister, Kevin Brennan attended to answer questions from the young carers. He even treated the audience to a rendition of Robbie Williams' ‘Angels'!
How to Book
If you are a young carer and would like to attend the festival, please contact your local Young Carers group and ask them to consider bringing a group to the festival.
If you are a Young Carers organisation, please contact us for a booking pack.
Fundraising
If you would like to donate money towards travel for other young carers please see the below link:
http://www.justgiving.com/National-Young-Carers-Festival
