The Base has now been running for 4 years at the Watling Way centre for children who are young carers, this is on a strict referral basis. Young Carers often don’t have access to the same opportunities as other children due to their responsibilities at home which make the ordinary things children take for granted hard to do. Transport is also provided for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. The Base provides play opportunities, the chance to just be a ‘child’ and forget their responsibilities, mix with other children in the same situation and most of all have FUN.


The funding comes from Milton Keynes Children’s Fund and has made a huge difference in these children’s lives, with no cost to the parents. We run one or two days a week in the school holidays providing many opportunities. Activities provided include: arts and crafts, sports, reading, games, cooking, music, and most important, swimming. We have also had many visitors in the past including, MK Dons, MK Lions, street dancing, self-defence, tennis, National Swimming Teachers Association (how to stay safe around water and what to do in an emergency), the Fire Brigade and MK Parks Trust. We also go out on trips to various places including: Water sports at Willen Lake, Thurleigh Farm and a family visit to Wicksteed Park.


Over 50 children have been supported over the years and working closely with the Young Carers Project Worker, helps to identify new young carers to attend. The feedback from both Parents and the children is excellent and if the Base was ever to cease it would leave a massive hole in the children’s lives.







Parent’s comments:

* Please keep up the good work that you do

* We, and both children, greatly appreciate everything that the staff at MKPA did during the 2005 summer holiday period and during other sessions at The Base throughout the year!!! Many, many thanks to you all!!

* It’s nice that young carers have somewhere to meet and enjoy each others company, with children in a similar position as themselves.

* My son has gained a great deal from attending this scheme. He has had the opportunity to try a wide range of activities which would otherwise be unavailable to him. He has had a lot of support from other young carers and now realises that the problems which he faces daily are not his burden alone.

* Well done all of those who are involved in these days. It gives both the children and their parents a break from the routine and duties at home. Could more off centre activities be organised for the slightly older children? Please give everyone a pat on the back and say THANK YOU!!

Children’s comments:

* Thank you sooooo much for the time and care you spent organising the activities

* Can we have the fire brigade back and self defence, and go to transport museum?

* This place is and always will be wicked!!

* I think it is fantastic and I want to come again! Please!


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