AN ARCHERY group was on target when it held a free afternoon session followed by a barbecue for 12 youngsters who normally look after a loved one or neighbour.
Members of the The Bowmen of Burleigh, which meets at Cantley Park in Wokingham, also awarded each person a certificate along with a special treat.
The club had been contacted by Philip Hollis from Wokingham Young Carers asking if they could provide an activity during the school holidays.
Mr Hollis said he was delighted when the Bowmen agreed to lay on the special day long session.
“Many young people look forward to their school holidays, but for young carers this means six weeks of being at home with the person they care for,” he explained.
“It is estimated that right now one in 10 people in the UK care for a loved one or neighbour who has a disability, poor mental health and or struggles with addiction. In this vast seven million is a hidden group, young carers, children and teenagers who live with a loved one they help take care of.
“A survey by action for children revealed one in five young carers have never been on holiday, 47% spend more than four hours each day of their holiday caring for someone and 72% feel lonely.”
Mr Hollis said the Bowmen were the only local sports based community group who responded to an appeal he made back in June to provide a few hours activity for young carers.
“Not only did they take up the challenge to give these young carers a few hours out in the summer holidays they went further adding a free barbecue and almost a whole day of archery fun,” he added.
“What a day it was. As the young carers arrived there, club members were smiling, ready to say hello, set them up with the right bow and then, of course, they got to shoot a bunch of arrows at targets and even a fun balloon shootout competition.
“They provided drinks, cakes, biscuits and the barbecue was delicious. Words cannot express how brilliant they were and how deeply they showed that they are a community group who care about their community.”
He added: “I want to say a huge thank you to the Bowmen of Burleigh on behalf of The Wokingham Young Carers for what they have done for the young carers in their community. Now I have five young carers who want to join this amazing community group, spend time with them engaging in a positive recreational activity.”
Wokingham Young Carers offers support to people aged 18 or under who lives with a family member who is disabled, struggles with mental health, has a condition such as autism or struggles with addiction.
For more details or support, call 0118 324 7333 or email Ask@berkshirecarershub.org
