Continuing the series of workshops for Kent Young Carers, OS artist Andy Evans, alongside Tina and Molly from the Imago charity, ran a beach based session for 14 young carers (1 boy and 13 girls), aged 8-16 yrs, all living in the Folkestone area. Meeting on Folkestone Heights, the group gathered around the public art sculpture ‘Siren’ to take in the surroundings. Everyone’s imaginations were fired up by the sculpture, views, and also discussing the centuries of nautical history, ship wrecks and folklore lying in the calm seascape in front of them.
Walking down to Sunny Sands beach, the group encamped under the shade of the old promenade arches, and settled into a morning of sand sculpting on the beach while the tide was low, building on the theme of mythological creatures from the sea.
It was an idyllic summer holiday’s day for the young carers, with everyone enjoying letting go with their imaginations, relaxing into the fun of the creativity, making new friends… and enjoying fish n chips afterwards!!

With thanks to Imago and their incredible work with young carers across Kent, and Kent Community Foundation for helping make the day happen.

 

Participants and parents comments on the session:

“My daughter really enjoyed her morning doing art on the beach. She loved just being on the beach, and the artist that ran the session was so helpful and kind.”

“I don’t think I’m very good at art, it’s nice doing this with someone.”

“Thank you so much for spending the time to provide such a lovely activity for the girls.”

“A massive thank you for an amazing morning on the beach. The children seemed to absolutely love it.”

“The summer holiday’s really long, I’m really enjoying being here.”

 

Up to 30,000 young carers live in Kent, taking on caring responsibilities for a family member with a long-term illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse.