Children’s Commissioner for Wales visits Honeypot Pen y Bryn to meet young carers
We were delighted to welcome the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, to Honeypot Pen y Bryn on 1 April, where she spent time meeting young carers and learning more about the support provided to children aged 5–12 across Wales.
During the visit, the Commissioner joined children in some activities, they ate lunch together and she spent time speaking directly with then about what it means to be a young carer. She heard how time at Honeypot helps them feel more confident, less anxious and better able to connect with others.
She also talked to staff about the difference Honeypot’s wraparound support makes to young carers and children who experience difficult circumstances. The visit offered an opportunity to showcase Honeypot’s early intervention approach, which combines residential and health and wellbeing breaks, and ongoing pastoral contact to help children build confidence, reduce stress and create positive childhood memories.
“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.”
The Commissioner toured the Pen y Bryn house and outdoor spaces, seeing how the setting provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can relax, build friendships and try new experiences away from the pressures they may face at home or school.
“She listened to our ideas and said that she would try and get more help for young carers.”
Young carers talking to Children’s Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes at Honeypot Pen y Bryn
“We were delighted to welcome the Children’s Commissioner for Wales to Honeypot Pen y Bryn and to share the impact of our work first-hand. Many young carers and children who need additional support face significant pressures at an early age, and it is vital they are recognised and supported.
Visits like this help shine a light on the challenges these children experience, while also highlighting the importance of early intervention and consistent, nurturing support. We are proud to be supporting children across Wales to build confidence, reduce anxiety and create happy memories and brighter futures.”
The visit highlighted the realities faced by many young carers across Wales, who often take on caring responsibilities at a young age while also navigating school, friendships and their own wellbeing. For children experiencing challenging circumstances or wider pressures, access to early, consistent support can make a significant difference to their confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Honeypot’s year-round support helps children step away from daily pressures, form positive relationships and develop skills that support them both in and outside the classroom. By providing safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities to simply be children, Honeypot helps ensure young carers and children who need additional support are not left to cope alone.
Visits such as this play an important role in raising awareness of the challenges young carers face and the need for early intervention. We were thrilled to welcome the Commissioner to see first-hand how Honeypot Pen y Bryn is supporting children across Wales and helping them create happy memories and brighter futures.
The Honeypot Children’s Charity is the national charity for young carers, and children aged 5-12 facing difficult circumstances. We rely on donations to help us continue running our unique wrapround service supporting young carers. Please consider supporting us in this very special year by making a donation, joining our ‘What’s your 30?’ campaign, or making us your organisation’s charity partner.