THE CHILDREN’S Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, will visit The Honeypot Children’s Charity’s Welsh site, Honeypot Pen y Bryn, on April 1 to meet staff, hear directly from young carers and learn more about the charity’s work supporting children (aged 5-12) who take on caring responsibilities at home.
During the visit, the Commissioner will tour Honeypot’s Pen y Bryn house near Newtown and meet with members of the Honeypot team to learn more about the charity’s residential breaks and ongoing support for young carers, and children facing additional pressures, across Wales and the UK.
She will also spend time speaking with young carers currently attending a Honeypot short break, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and talk about the challenges and responsibilities they face in their everyday lives.
Honeypot has been supporting young carers for 30 years, providing residential breaks and long-term support designed to give children time away from their caring roles, helping them build confidence, create happy memories and build brighter futures.
Rocio Cifuentes, The Children’s Commissioner for Wales said: “I’m really pleased to be visiting Honeypot Pen y Bryn and have the chance to meet young carers who work so hard every day to support the people they care about.
“Young carers take on responsibilities that most children their age would never be expected to manage, and too often their needs go unnoticed.
“Hearing directly from young carers about their experiences is crucial, not only to understand the challenges they face but also to make sure their rights are upheld in the services and decisions that affect them.
“I’m grateful to the team at Honeypot, and to the children and staff for welcoming me to their provision. It’s vital that we continue to recognise and support young carers right across Wales.”
Simmi Woodwal, CEO of Honeypot Children’s Charity, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rocio Cifuentes to Honeypot Pen y Bryn, our Welsh house.
“Young carers often take on significant responsibilities at a very young age, and it is vital that their voices are heard and their needs understood.
“Visits like this help shine a light on the experiences of young carers, and the importance of providing them with the time, space and support they need to thrive.”
Mark Phillips, Welsh Operations Manager at Honeypot, added: “Honeypot Pen y Bryn is a very special place for the children who stay with us.
“For many young carers, it’s the first time they have had the chance to step away from their responsibilities at home and simply enjoy being a child.
“We are proud to welcome the Children’s Commissioner and to share with her the impact these breaks can have on a child’s confidence, wellbeing and happiness.”
The visit will provide an opportunity for the Commissioner to see first-hand the impact that Honeypot’s services have on the wellbeing and development of young carers.
