A group of young carers in Aberdeen have created an exciting new film inspired by retro video games based on their caring experiences.
With support from leading children’s charity Barnardo’s and community media organisation Station House Media Unit (SHMU), the group of six spent almost three months learning about filmmaking before unveiling their masterpiece where each ‘level’ includes different aspects of being a young carer and some of the challenges they may face within their role.
The film – entitled ‘Young Warriors’ – was made possible thanks to support from the Health Improvement Fund through Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership. A young carer is someone up to the age of 18 who cares for a relative, friend, or neighbour who may have physical health needs, emotional care needs or require practical help.
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.”
Isla, 14, 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.” And Sarah, 14, added: “It was very fun and enjoyable. I had lots of fun there every week improving my skills and learning some new ones.”
As part of Carers Week 2024, Barnardo’s will be holding a formal launch of the Young Warriors film alongside some stories of individual young carers tomorrow (Wednesday).
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, supporting them to experiment with creative expression 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.”
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, improve wellbeing and increase their resilience.
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. There are 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.
For more information about the Barnardo’s service for young carers, or to make a referral, please contact [email protected], or telephone 01224 624 090.
The Barnardo’s purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people and families are safe, happy, healthy and hopeful. For more than 150 years, Barnardo’s has been here for the children and young people who need it most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.
In the past year, Barnardo’s has provided essential 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. The charity works to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. 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.