Did you know that our hostel is a part of the charity YMCA Brunel Group? We work with young people and communities, transforming lives every day. Your stay in one of our commercial hostels helps support our work.
One of the groups of people we work with are Young Carers. Young carers are young people under 18 who take on significant caring responsibilities for a family member who is ill, disabled, or experiencing mental health issues. The average age of a young carer in the UK is 12; the majority are caring for their mum and consequentially their siblings too.
An unforgettable adventure
Magdalen Farm is a 132-acre organic working farm Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Chard, Somerset offering unforgettable adventures to young people. A group of our Young Carers were welcomed for a two-night residential visit—one designed to give them something they rarely get: time just for themselves.
Magdalen’s residentials are thoughtfully crafted to blend practical learning, adventure, and emotional wellbeing. The young carers threw themselves into the experience, taking part in everything from cooking and construction to conservation and animal care. As they fed the animals, dug into soil, and made their own meals, they not only picked up new skills but also built confidence, friendships, and memories to last.
From the moment they arrived, the energy was high. The days were packed with activity—low ropes courses, a smoothie-bike and pizza making sessions to name a few. At night, they gathered around the campfire, swapping stories, singing songs, and playing games.
One of the most popular experiences was the zip-wire, which had young carers soaring through the air with shrieks of joy. For many, it was their first time doing anything like it, and the sense of accomplishment was written all over their muddy, beaming faces.
The trip wasn’t just about fun, though. It was about giving these young people a break from responsibility—a rare and precious opportunity to simply be children. At Magdalen, they had the space to relax, play, and discover themselves without the weight of their usual caregiving roles.
“The trip was so fun, the food was amazing,” one young carer shared. “I enjoyed being able to meet other young carers and make new friends.” Another said, “I loved it here. All of the activities are so fun.” And a third summed it up perfectly: “Magdalen Farm has been so fun—meals delicious, activities fun, and adventures excellent. I loved staying at Magdalen.”
Not everyone was able to join the overnight stay, but special efforts were made to include those who could only take part in the daytime. This flexibility helped ensure that all the young carers felt seen, supported, and involved.
A huge thank you to Magdalen Farm for providing a memorable experience for our young carers! For them, it was more than just a trip—it was a chance to be seen, celebrated, and simply be kids again.
