Taking Care of Young Carers

A group of young carers aged 4 to 12 supported by Carers in Bedfordshire took part in a six-week Food etc cookery workshops course designed to give them confidence in the kitchen, encourage healthy eating, and provide a creative outlet away from their caring roles.

Each week, the children and their families were introduced to new recipes – from simple fruit kebabs to soup and soda bread, to pasta dishes and homemade pizzas. They learned practical skills such as safe knife handling, measuring ingredients, mixing, and even basic food hygiene. The sessions were hands-on and fun, ending with everyone sharing and tasting the dishes, they had made together.

The young carers quickly grew excited about cooking at home. Parents reported that their children were not only more willing to try new foods but also eager to help prepare family meals.

One parent shared: “It’s been wonderful seeing my daughter so enthusiastic. She now asks to help with dinner almost every night and is proud to show us the skills she’s learned.”

A 10-year-old young carer said: “I didn’t think I could cook before, but now I can make pasta for everyone! It makes me feel really grown up.”

A younger participant, aged 5, proudly commented: “I like cutting the bananas for fruit kebabs. They taste yummy because I made them.”

Another parent added: “My son has more confidence now – he’s even tried vegetables he wouldn’t touch before. It’s been a real boost.”

The course also gave young carers a chance to relax and connect with others in similar situations. One 12-year-old reflected: “It was fun cooking with other kids like me. I learned new things, and we got to eat what we made, which was the best part!”

Tiziana Di Placido, Young Carer Support Worker at Carers in Bedfordshire said: “By the end of the workshops, the children had developed not only cooking skills but also greater self-confidence, independence, and joy in sharing food with their families. Many of them (and their parents too!) cannot wait for the next series of Food, etc workshops.”