Meet Blake
Ben is just 12 years old, but his day starts like most adults: making breakfast, helping his older sister Eva get ready for school, and keeping her entertained. Eva has a learning disability, speech impairment, and epilepsy, so Ben’s support is vital.
Despite his responsibilities, Ben has big ambitions. He dreams of becoming a criminal psychologist one day.
Life as a Young Carer
Ben helps with cooking, cleaning, and shopping for Eva, as well as looking out for her when they are out and about. He provides emotional support and physical assistance every day. While he enjoys caring for his sister, it hasn’t been easy. Ben has faced bullying at school and often feels isolated and stressed.
“I like caring for Eva but it has its challenges, like I might have to miss out on opportunities and if she gets upset, I have to calm her down.”
Finding Joy at Honeypot
Ben was referred to The Honeypot Children’s Charity by South Ayrshire Carers Centre, and since then, his world has opened up. He’s enjoyed four respite breaks, two memory making days, and a wellbeing fund. Away from his caring responsibilities, Ben gets to embrace the things he loves like art, with Honeypot’s creative art sessions being a real highlight.
On his breaks, Ben has:
zoomed down the River Clyde on a speedboat – his favourite adventure!
met his favourite animal, penguins, at Edinburgh Zoo
explored science experiments, one of his favourite subjects at school, during Science Day
Before his first residential break at age 11, Ben was nervous about leaving home and meeting new people. But he has made great friends, discovered a love for cooking in Honeypot’s cookery classes, helped design the new Dalleagles House garden, and even won the talent show with an impressive card trick.
“I felt kind of sad when I was leaving Honeypot, but also really happy because it was such an enjoyable experience.
After a break, I love telling my parents about it and I feel a bit more relaxed after I’ve had a break.”
Why Honeypot Matters
Ben says Honeypot gives him something priceless: time to relax, have fun, mess around with friends, and just be a child. These experiences help him feel less alone and more confident about the future.
“Ben has really enjoyed going to Honeypot and meeting other young carers. Having that bond with people that he doesn’t really get at school - people that are in similar situations and understand him more - has been really important.”
When asked what he would like to tell future Honeypot young carers, Ben said:
“Don’t be nervous, you’ll have a lot of fun!”
Help us support more young carers like Ben.