A GROUP of young carers in Aberdeen have created a new film inspired by retro video games and based on their caring experiences.
Supported by children’s charity Barnardo’s and community media organisation Station House Media Unit (SHMU), the group of six carers spent time learning filmmaking before creating their film – Young Warriors.
Each video game ‘level’ includes different aspects of being a young carer and some of the challenges they may face within their role.
Barnardo’s will be holding a formal launch of the motion picture alongside some stories of individual young carers as part of Carers Week 2024 on the 12 June.
Zoe Davidson, TV & film support worker at SHMU, said: “SHMU has thoroughly enjoyed working with the Barnardo’s young carers to create Young Warriors.
“It has been a great experience to watch the young people grow in confidence and skills within the creative industries and take the lead on sharing their experiences through the medium of film.
“We are very proud of what the young people have achieved and are excited for future projects with Barnardo’s.”
A young carer is someone up to the age of 18 who cares for a relative, friend, or neighbour who may have physical health or emotional care needs and require practical help.
One of the carers involved in the project, Isla, said: “It was brilliant to be around other young carers.
“I enjoyed being part of the filming group, I really liked the editing and watching our finished film with the families.”
Another, Sarah, added: “It was very fun and enjoyable, I had lots of fun there every week improving my skills and learning some new ones.”
The Barnardo’s Aberdeen Young Carers Service supports young carers in Aberdeen City to live a happy and fulfilled life alongside caring.
It aims to support the young people to reduce the impact of caring, allow them to have a short break from caring, to reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing.
Since Barnardo’s Aberdeen Young Carers service opened its doors in 2019, the charity believes there could be as many 2,000 young carers in Aberdeen City that require support with currently more than 150 young carers being supported within the area.
The Health Improvement Fund supports initiatives that improve health and wellbeing for people across Aberdeen.
Since 2016, more than 400 projects have been supported through the fund.
Lisa McCulloch, team manager at the Barnardo’s Aberdeen Young Carers service, said: “Barnardo’s Scotland is thrilled that our young carers from Aberdeen City have created this thought-provoking short film to raise awareness about the life of being a young carer.
“Our young people told us that it’s so important to them that we identify more young carers because it is recognised that there are many hidden across the city.”
“Throughout the project, the young carers told us they felt valued and empowered, that they learnt valuable new skills whilst also increasing their confidence.
“We’re all very excited to launch this film during our Carers’ Week.”
In the past year, Barnardo’s has provided support to more than 11,500 children, young people, parents and carers in Scotland through 150-plus specialised community-based services and partnerships across the country.
Over the course of the financial year 2023-24, more than 16,000 people volunteered for Barnardo’s across the UK – a total of 1.7 million hours of their time. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.
For more information about the Barnardo’s service for young carers, or to make a referral, please contact AberdeenYoungCarers@barnados.org.uk, or telephone 01224 624 090.
