Archie's story
Archie is an energetic and thoughtful 8 year old who lives with his mum, dad, two brothers, and their dog, Jess. Home is full of love, noise, and activity. Archie’s older brother Zachary has autism and ADHD – something that shapes much of the family’s daily life.
Archie is honest about the challenges. Sometimes his big brother gets angry and lashes out, and the family often plans their days around what will help keep him calm and comfortable. Despite this, Archie cares deeply for his brother and does everything he can to help him feel safe and supported.
Hobbies and dreams
Archie loves football more than anything. When he’s not playing, he enjoys arts and crafts, singing (his favourite song to belt out is “I’m in the thick of it”), and going swimming – he’s proudly earned his yellow hat. One day, he hopes to become a professional football player. His current dream? A Liverpool kit of his own.
Archie plays an important role in helping his big brother Zachary manage autism and ADHD. Even at just 8 years old, he shows empathy, patience, and maturity beyond his years. Routines are a big part of family life, and Archie often helps organise things at home.
Sometimes that means changing plans, like swapping swimming days to help his brother cope better with routines. Other times it’s stepping in socially, like the day his brother used the girls’ toilet at the park to feel safe, and some children teased him. Archie comforted him and made sure he got to Mum. At the school disco he looked out for his brother too, introducing him to friends so he didn’t feel left out.
“We’re better when we stick together. I make sure he knows I’m there to help him how he wants me to. He tells me what he needs, and I try my best.” Archie
A day in Archie's life
Most weekdays start with Archie helping his brother get ready and watching out for the school taxi so he doesn’t miss it. Archie goes to a different school, but he’s always thinking ahead to make sure his brother’s morning runs smoothly.
Afternoons and evenings can be busy or chaotic, depending on how everyone is feeling. With meltdowns, noise, and different needs in the house, sometimes Archie struggles to find space of his own. Sharing a bedroom with his younger brother Winston means he doesn’t always have somewhere quiet to go.
“Because I share a room, I sometimes have nowhere to go.” Archie
Archie talks openly about the difficulties he faces at home. He says that “sometimes the house is angry and chaotic”. He and his older brother enjoy different things, which can lead to arguments, and at times Archie gets hurt when his brother becomes overwhelmed or angry.
The reality of being a young carer means he often has to compromise, wait, or put his own needs aside. But Archie also shares the parts he’s grateful for: “I enjoy having a brother because it means I always have a friend. He teaches me new things like puzzles, tablets, and Xbox games.”
Finding calm at Honeypot
Archie has visited Honeypot Pen y Bryn in Wales twice for a short break, and he describes the experience with pure joy: “Everything. I enjoyed everything. I even liked the food.”
Archie came away with two very prestigious accolades: the ‘Have a go hero and delightful dam explorer certificate’, and the ‘Bumble's fantastic table football player and a whizz on the wheels certificate’.
At Honeypot, he can just be a child – not a helper, not the peacekeeper, not the one who compromises. Here, he swims, bikes, and has even explored inside the famous dams. The environment feels relaxing and happy, something he doesn’t always get at home. Before the visit, Archie says he felt chaos. Afterwards? He felt calmer, refreshed, and glad to return to his family.
“When I go there (Honeypot), I get trips to cool places we couldn’t go with my big brother” Archie
Alongside short breaks at Honeypot, Archie has also benefited from additional support throughout the year. He previously received a Honeypot Wellbeing Grant, which helped him get a lovely new bed, and his family also received leisure vouchers through Carers Trust funding, giving them rare opportunities for fun activities together - experiences that can otherwise feel out of reach due to the challenges they manage at home.
“These vouchers enabled us to spend positive time as a family. The way our family dynamic is and our caring roles, this can be difficult to achieve. So this opportunity gave us all such a boost in mood.” Bethanie, Archie's mum
Looking to the future
If he could choose one dream to come true, it would be visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London. Archie loves the books and films and wants to see the real sets where the magic happened.
Archie is one of many children who quietly take on caring roles at home. His story is full of love and resilience, but also the realities of responsibility well beyond his years. His time at Honeypot gives him what every child deserves: space to play, rest, and simply be himself.
