Young carers in Wirral have been treated to a special reading of the book ‘The boy whose wishes came true’ by author Helen Rutter.
Young carers who are supported by children’s charity Barnardo’s were invited to Bear Hunt Books in Bebbington by owner Michelle Peters.
Author Helen Rutter had a caring role herself when she was younger and the story is about a young person who doesn’t know he has a caring role. Helen did a virtual reading of the story to the young carers and those who could not attend were also able to join the event virtually.
Mum Lindsey, who attended with her children Charlie and Ava, said:
“My older son tends not to talk about how he feels. He asked to read the book before his sister as he said: ‘ I think this book will really help me’. Ava loved it too and we all said the author was amazing. The bookstore was fab!”
Paula Hume, Team Manager at Barnardo’s Wirral Young Carers said:
“Our young carers had a fantastic time at Bear Hunt Books and we are extremely grateful to them for allowing us to go along and attend this reading by Helen.
“Being a young carer can be challenging and quite difficult for others to understand. It was nice to bring the group together as well as hearing from an author who has experienced this herself. All in all it was a great occasion and one we won’t forget.”
Barnardo’s Wirral Young Carers’ service supports more than 180 young carers and their families across the district.
The service works with children aged between five to 18 years old who support a sick or disabled adult family member.
Barnardo’s provides emotional and practical support for young carers to reduce the negative impact of caring. This includes emotional health and well-being support as well as the opportunity to have a break from caring. The service also supports the whole family and vitally, gives children the opportunity to meet other young carers.