Jack's story
Jack lives just ten minutes from Honeypot Hampshire, in the same home he grew up in – now shared with his partner, children, and his dad, who he still cares for today. It has been over 25 years since Jack first visited Honeypot as a young carer.
Jack became a young carer at just five years old, after his mother left his father and the family. His dad, suddenly responsible for raising three very young children alone, had to give up his job as a long-distance lorry driver to be there for them, a situation which resulted in him having low self-esteem and suffering from depression.
Jack took on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, who was only 18 months old at the time. “It was just everyday basics,” he says. “Making sure he was ready for school, had food in his belly, had a wash. He hated washing, that boy did!”
Although Jack never saw himself as a young carer, social services referred him to Honeypot as they thought he would benefit from the extra support. He first visited Honeypot at the age of six (see images below) and then returned every year until he was 12, once having two visits in a year. Jack has incredibly fond memories of Honeypot.
“I grew up from five without having a mother or a mother figure. And, the staff [at Honeypot] were people that wanted to put an arm around you and make sure you were all right. I think that can put the wind in your sails.” Jack
Jack believes the impact of Honeypot on his life has been profound. “The investment you put into children between the ages of five and twelve manifests with untold magnitude as they grow up.”
He credits Honeypot with helping him build the social skills and confidence he needed to thrive. “If you’re caring for someone all the time, you might not get the chance to learn how to make friends or even have conversations. Honeypot gave me those building blocks. I can just remember being allowed to just be.”
Now a father himself, Jack says the empathy he gained at Honeypot has shaped the way he parents his own children. “I think the empathy that being at Honeypot gave me is something I’ve carried through life.”
Jack’s connection to Honeypot has now come full circle. He works as a petrochemical process operator and his company recently chose Honeypot as their charity of the year and supported us with a generous donation.
“There’s no better way to spend money on a young person than what’s being done at Honeypot. We went to Moors Valley Country Park one year, I can remember. And that’s somewhere that I still go now with the kids - it’s just great memories.” Jack
Today Jack is also part of our Honeypot Alumni Council, a group of people who experienced Honeypot as young carers and who still want to be involved with the charity as adults. Together they are helping to raise awareness and create a better future for other young carers.
