Be Free Young Carers

Last week, as part of the Raise 25 initiative with the B4 Business Community, we took on the Ice Bath Challenge to raise money for Be Free Young Carers, and what an experience it was! ❄️ A huge well done to Tabby, who smashed it with 2 minutes in the ice bath! Before taking the plunge, we took part in Wim Hof training and some powerful breathwork sessions to prepare, before heading down to the cellar and stepping into the ice baths. All for a brilliant cause, supporting the incredible work that BFYC does for young carers across Oxfordshire. 👏🏽 https://lnkd.in/eaMBGXqX

As our three-year charity partnership with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford comes to an end, we want to take a moment to say the biggest thank you 👏🏽 Over the past three years, the amazing team and students at Saïd Business School have gone above and beyond, fundraising, volunteering, and giving their time and energy to support young carers across Oxfordshire. Because of your incredible efforts, we’ve been able to offer more opportunities, respite, wellbeing and emotional support, and recognition for the young carers we work with, helping them feel seen, valued, and supported in everything they do. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together and truly grateful for the compassion, creativity, and commitment that’s made this partnership so special. Here’s to everyone at Saïd Business School who’s been part of this journey, thank you for helping to change lives 🙏 #BeFreeYoungCarers #SaidBusinessSchool #ThankYou #Community #Partnership #YoungCarers #Oxfordshire

💙 We’re at the Young Carers Future Conference! 💙 Today, the Be Free Young Carers team are proud to be at The Oval in London for the Young Carers Future Conference, in partnership with Carers Trust. This important event brings together organisations, educators, and young carers from across the UK to discuss how we can better support young people who care for family members. Together, we’re exploring ways to create brighter futures, through improved opportunities in education, work, and wellbeing. For us, it’s an incredible opportunity to connect, share experiences, and champion the voices of young carers, ensuring they’re seen, heard, and supported at every stage of life. We’re so proud to represent our amazing young carers and the vital work we do across Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, and beyond. 👏🏽

❄️ Take the Plunge! ❄️ Join the B4 Raise’25 Ice Bath Challenge on Wednesday 6th November at Heyford House and test your limits for 12 amazing Oxfordshire charities, and we’re lucky enough to be one of them! 👏🏽 The Ice Bath Challenge is about so much more than a cold dip. Over two minutes of ice immersion, you’ll experience the incredible physical and mental benefits of combining breathwork, mindset, and cold exposure, the core pillars of the world-renowned Wim Hof Method. Are you ready to take the plunge and raise funds for Raise’25? Event Details: 🕚 Timings: 11:00am – 1:00pm 🍴 Lunch: 1:00pm – 1:45pm 💷 Cost: £50 + VAT (all proceeds go to Raise’25) Don’t miss this chance to challenge yourself, have fun, and make a difference! https://lnkd.in/edbn3HYP #befreeyoungcarers #socialimpact #youngcarer #carersoxfordshire #youngcarersawareness #youngcarers #oxfordshire #raise25 #icechallenge

We’ve been busy at Witney Community Primary School recently, helping them launch their new Young Carers provision! 👏🏽 Tabby delivered an inspiring assembly to all the children, while Carly hosted a Parent’s Coffee Morning to share information and support. ☕ The school is now setting up their very own Young Carers Club and working hard to identify their young carers and make sure the right support is in place. We’re so excited to see this amazing initiative grow! https://befreeyc.org.uk #youngcarers #youngcarersoxfordshire #befreeyoungcarers

This Christmas, we want to bring joy to some of the most incredible children and young people in our community, our young carers. ❤️ Every day, these young people show extraordinary love and responsibility, caring for parents, siblings, or family members who couldn’t manage without them. But while they give so much, their own childhoods are often filled with challenges and sacrifices. That’s why this year, we’ve set ourselves a big festive goal: to create Christmas hampers, each filled with treats, essentials, and little luxuries to remind our young carers that they are seen, valued, and celebrated. How you can help: 🎁 Fill a whole hamper – gather the items on our list and create a full package of Christmas cheer. 🍬 Donate an item – contribute one or more items from our wishlist to help complete the hampers. 🗓️ Deadline for donations: 4th November Together, we can make sure no young carer misses out on the magic of Christmas. 🤶 If you’d like to support, please email: yc@befreeyc.org.uk to arrange drop-off or collection. #youngcarers #youngcarersoxfordshire #befreeyoungcarers

This Christmas, we want to bring joy to some of the most incredible children and young people in our community, our young carers. ❤️ Every day, these young people show extraordinary love and responsibility, caring for parents, siblings, or family members who couldn’t manage without them. But while they give so much, their own childhoods are often filled with challenges and sacrifices. That’s why this year, we’ve set ourselves a big festive goal: to create 175 Christmas hampers, each filled with treats, essentials, and little luxuries to remind our young carers that they are seen, valued, and celebrated. How you can help: 🎁 Fill a whole hamper – gather the items on our list and create a full package of Christmas cheer. 🍬 Donate an item – contribute one or more items from our wishlist to help complete the hampers. 🗓️ Deadline for donations: 4th November Together, we can make sure no young carer misses out on the magic of Christmas. 🤶 If you’d like to support, please get in touch to arrange drop-off or collection.

On Friday last week, Be Free Young Carers held our Annual General Meeting and Away Day at Egrove Park, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. The morning provided us with the opportunity to reflect, give thanks and look ahead. We said goodbye to a number of valued trustees who had reached the end of their terms, recognising the important role they have played in guiding and supporting our work over the years. Their time, commitment and dedication have left a lasting legacy, and we are incredibly grateful for their service. We were also pleased to formally welcome our newly established Board of Trustees, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help us continue strengthening our charity. A particular highlight of the day was the election of our new Chair, Dr Sarah Broadhurst CPsychol, who we are delighted will lead the Board as we enter the next exciting phase of our journey. In the afternoon, staff, trustees and supporters came together for speed networking, an engaging and energising way to connect, share ideas and build on the collaborative spirit that underpins everything we do at Be Free Young Carers. With a refreshed Board, renewed energy and a united focus on our mission, the future is bright. Together, we are determined to ensure that young carers across Oxfordshire feel empowered, supported and recognised for the incredible role they play in their families and communities. A special thanks to Ashley, our volunteer photographer 📷 and to SBS for hosting us. Gavin L Jones Dawn Woollam Laurie Cooper Lorraine Nicholls Gemma ThorpeRhianna Eeley Nic Hutchings Victoria Mondahl Mandy McCartney Hannah Waugh, MSc Sabiene North Carly Buckingham-Forkner Callum Watkins Roger Eccleston Sophie Brewer

📣 We need your help! 📣 On Saturday 19th October, 9am–1pm, Be Free Young Carers will be back at our usual spot in Milton Park for the The Abingdon Marathon🏃♂️ We’ll be running the BFYC Aid Station, bringing our signature party vibe with music, cheers, and plenty of refreshments to keep the runners going strong! 🏃♀️ 💦 If you’d like to join the fun, support us, and support the runners, please email yc@befreeyc.org.uk. 💌 Let’s make this marathon unforgettable together! 💜 https://befreeyc.org.uk