Being a young adult carer is a unique journey, often demanding incredible strength and resilience. Juggling education, work, friendships, and the vital role of caring for someone can be truly overwhelming. It’s easy for your own needs to get pushed aside, but here’s the powerful truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Nurturing your own well-being isn’t selfish; it’s absolutely essential for your health and for your ability to continue caring.
Let’s explore how you can find moments to recharge, rediscover joy, and build meaningful connections in West Sussex, especially through the empowering avenues of creativity and community engagement.
Express Yourself: The Power of Creativity
You don’t need to be an artist, a musician, or a writer to benefit from creative expression. Reconnecting with hobbies, or discovering new ones, is a powerful way to reclaim a part of yourself. Sometimes, words simply aren’t enough to capture complex emotions, so getting your feelings out through art, music, movement, or writing can be incredibly therapeutic and provide a safe outlet for what you’re holding inside.
- Journaling: Grab a pen and paper or open a document on your computer or phone. Write about your day, your feelings, your dreams, or just let your thoughts flow. It’s a confidential space to process, reflect, and gain clarity without judgment.
- Doodling & Drawing: Don’t worry about artistic skill. Just pick up a pen and paper and let your hand move freely. It’s about the process, not the product.
- Music: Listen to music that resonates with your mood or try creating your own sounds. This could be humming, singing, playing an instrument, or even experimenting with digital music tools.
- Crafts: Engaging in crafts like knitting, pottery, painting, or scrapbooking can be incredibly calming. The repetitive nature of some crafts can help soothe the mind and provide a sense of focus and accomplishment. Keep an eye out for local craft fairs or workshops, like at the Young People’s Shop, who hold various crafting activities each month: www.yps-south.org.uk/events
- Dance: Sometimes, expressing emotions through physical movement can be liberating. Try dancing freely to your favourite tunes!
Why bother? Creative outlets provide a non-verbal way to express complex feelings, process emotions, and reduce stress. They offer a unique avenue for self-discovery and a healthy escape from daily pressures.
Find Your Tribe: Connecting Through Community
Feeling isolated is a common experience for young adult carers. Connecting with others who understand your unique challenges can be incredibly validating, supportive, and a powerful antidote to loneliness.
- Shared Interests Beyond Caring: Join a local club or group based on a hobby or interest you enjoy. This could be a book club, a gaming group, a photography club, or a walking group. Check out local community centres and notice boards in towns across West Sussex (like Horsham, Worthing, or Bognor Regis) for what’s happening.
- West Sussex Connect to Support: This website is a go-to resource. It features a search tool to find local clubs, societies, and activities tailored to various interests and age groups. They also list crucial wellbeing hubs and support services that often run community activities.
- Meetup.com: This popular platform makes it easy to find and join groups focused on shared interests. Simply search for “West Sussex” or specific towns (e.g., “Crawley,” “Chichester”) to discover a diverse range of social activities, hobbies, games, language exchange groups, and more.
- The Ashdown Hub: Offers free community activities for wellbeing, including art, crafts, cookery, and gardening groups for adults (18+) in the East Grinstead area, emphasising community and creativity.
West Sussex Mind: Offers a wide range of social activities and support groups for adults experiencing mental health challenges, often incorporating creative elements in their wellbeing hubs and activities. You can access their monthly social activities programme here.
Specialised Young Adult Support:
- The Young People’s Shop: Based in Chichester, they offer emotional support for young people aged 11-25, alongside a variety of activities and clubs designed to foster connection.
- Allsorts Youth Project: This organisation supports and connects under-26s in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex who identify as LGBTQ+, offering advocacy services, workshops, and vital support groups that build strong community bonds.
- Esteem: Providing group activities for young adults aged 14-26, Esteem aims to help young people meet new people and build confidence through a range of physical and social activities, from casual movie nights to organised trips.
- South Downs Youth Action: If you’re aged 16-25 and passionate about the environment, this group offers hands-on experience and community spirit through practical conservation skills in the stunning South Downs National Park.
- My Future is a support group just for young adult carers (16-21), run by Carers Support West Sussex and West Sussex Young Carers. It’s a safe and friendly place to chat about your experiences, share what’s on your mind, and just have some “me time.” Want to know more? Ring 0300 028 8888 or drop an email at info@carerssupport.org.uk
Volunteering: Dedicating your time to a local charity or environmental group can be a deeply rewarding way to meet like-minded people, contribute to your community, and build a sense of belonging.
Why bother? Community combats loneliness, offers diverse perspectives, and provides a vital support network when things get tough. Connecting with others reminds you that you are not alone on your journey.
Tips for Finding the Right Creative and Community Group:
- Be Specific in Your Search: Think about what truly interests you. Are you looking for a structured art class, an informal craft circle, a peer support group, or just a social setting to meet new people?
- Check Websites and Social Media: Most groups maintain active online presences where they post about upcoming events, how to join, and what their activities entail.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out: If a group or service looks interesting, contact them directly. Ask about their age range, typical activities, and how welcoming they are to new members. Many are very happy to answer questions.
- Consider a “Taster Session”: Some groups offer the chance to attend a session or two before committing to membership, allowing you to see if it’s the right fit.
Being a young adult carer is incredibly demanding, but it’s also a path filled with deep purpose. You deserve a life that feeds your spirit and connects you with others. Don’t wait for permission – start small, be kind to yourself, and acknowledge every single step you take towards finding your balance and igniting that inner spark. Your well-being truly matters!
What’s one small step you can take this week to prioritise your creative well-being or connect with your community?
We’re Here for You!
We’re always here to chat about your caring role, wellbeing, or answer any questions you might have. Give us a call at 0300 028 8888 or email us at info@carerssupport.org.uk. You can also explore our website for more info and use the Carers Smart Search: www.carerssupport.org.uk/carers-smart-search/
Take care, Georgie Bean
