Young carers’ trip out with The Zone

YOUNG carers in Frome enjoyed a well-deserved trip out last month with their very own youth club The Zone, which is now on the lookout for more members to join.

The group, which is run by Frome charity ‘The Pod’ went ice skating at Bath on Ice and enjoyed dinner out for a festive treat.

Chair Sue Paxton said, “The group had a lot of fun in Bath and it was definitely some much-needed relief before the craziness of Christmas started.”

The Zone is run especially for young carers aged 10 to 18 and provides a space to unwind. After a year in the town The Zone is now opening its doors to new members.

Sue says, “The club meets every two weeks and is a fun, relaxed place for young people who are in same boat to meet. Many, but not all, of the members that attend have a disabled sibling but they are all young carers.

“Activities are driven by the members and have included film nights, cooking and challenge nights.  Activities during the school holidays have included a cinema trip and trampolining.

“The young carers benefit from respite and enjoy having fun and hanging out together. The youth work team provides a nurturing environment, they supervise and also support the young people with their activity choices.”

The club has been well supported by Somerset Community Foundation which administers grant funding from The Hector Tanner Memorial Fund, and is now seeking funding for the future.

The Zone runs on alternate Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. Anyone interested in attending or getting involved should contact The Zone for more information on 07736 470328 or info@thepodcharity.org.uk