We were delighted to welcome the Young Carers Illustration Project team to our summer party, where illustrator and storyteller Ana Graça captured the celebrations and interviewed two of our young carers, Lena and Victoria, about their involvement in the development of her children’s book Young Carers in Space.

Working alongside primary school-aged young carers, including young carers supported by Kingston Carers Network, the Young Carers Illustration Project aims to increase representation of young carers in children’s literature.

Through interactive workshops, young carers shared their experiences and ideas, helping to shape the story, characters and illustrations.

“I feel like for me, I was like, "Wow, this is such a cool book because it's kind of like us, but like they don't have our name, so it's like anonymous, but like it's us." Lena

Young Carers in Space follows Honey, as she travels into space with the help of a fairy while learning that she does not have to face challenges alone. At home, Honey helps care for her older brother and struggles to share her worries with her teacher at school. Along the way, she discovers other young carers like her and learns that support is available.

The story was inspired by the experiences and perspectives shared by young carers during the workshops, including contributions from Lena and Victoria.

In the new film, Lena and Victoria talk about what it meant to see young carers represented in a book.

“When the book launched, I remember I was really excited because no one ever puts us in books.” Victoria

Both young carers also spoke about how the project helped others understand their experiences. Lena explained: “I felt really special because people were kind of talking about me and they kind of started to understand how I felt.”

Watch the film below to hear more from Lena and Victoria and see highlights from our summer party.

Read the books

Download Young Carers in Bunnyland
Download Young Carers in Space

Learn more about the Young Carers Illustration Project and Ana Graca’s work

Kingston Carers Network (KCN) has launched its 2026 Big Give campaign, Creative Connections for Carers, and we are looking for supporters to make pledges that will help bring it to life. 

Last year, supporters helped us successfully raise £10,000 through the Big Give to support young carers. This year, we will be seeking to raise £20,000 to support unpaid carers of all ages across Kingston.

How does pledging work?

The Big Give Christmas Challenge works differently from a standard fundraising appeal. Before the public December campaign begins, charities are asked to secure pledges of £100 or more from local businesses, organisations and individuals.

This year, securing £5,000 in pledges before 28 August will unlock the match funding available during the Christmas Challenge (1–8 December). Match funding enables us to double public donations given in December - which is what makes this fundraising opportunity such a powerful one.

During the Christmas Challenge itself, members of the public will be able to donate any amount. 

Why Creative Connections for Carers?

Taking on caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on a person’s own health and wellbeing. Many unpaid carers spend much of their time supporting someone else, which can leave them feeling isolated and with fewer opportunities to connect with others, pursue their own interests or take time for themselves.

Through Creative Connections for Carers, we will provide monthly creative arts activities for adult and young carers across Kingston. These activities will give carers opportunities to meet others who understand their experiences, take a break from caring and enjoy the wellbeing benefits that creative expression can bring. 

Research from Carers UK highlights the impact caring can have on carers’ mental health. Half of carers (50%) report feeling lonely and almost half (49%) have felt depressed, reflecting the significant emotional and practical pressures that can accompany a caring role.

The funding will support much more than creative materials. It will enable us to deliver high-quality creative experiences, including artist-led workshops, music, storytelling and exhibitions, with skilled facilitators and the support needed to make these opportunities accessible to carers.

We would love members of our community to support Creative Connections for Carers and helping us unlock this year’s Big Give campaign.

Anyone can be a pledger. If you would like to become one, please complete the pledge form before 28 August 2026. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please do contact us directly.

If you can’t make a pledge, you can still help enormously by sharing our appeal with your networks or passing it on to a local business or someone you know who may be able to. 

Through six simple scenes, they introduced themselves, shared who they care for, how caring shapes their lives, how it affects them, what they enjoy about coming to Kingston Carers Network’s Young Adult Carers group and a positive aspiration for the future.

As they planned their videos together, the conversation naturally turned to their experiences of caring. The group shared the challenges and realities of being a carer, while also speaking about the love and empathy they feel towards the people they care for. The conversations were deeply honest, supportive and shaped by shared understanding.

“The activity just allowed everyone to open up about their caring roles through shared discussions. Everyone was honest about how difficult it can be, but there was also a huge sense of love and pride for the people they care for.”

Young Adult Carers Support Worker Chrissy

We’re incredibly grateful to Kiah, Riley and Kyle for sharing their stories. You can watch their videos below and hear, in their own words, what being a young adult carer means to them and the hopes they have for the future.

Riley's story

Kyle's story

Kiah's story

Inspired by this? We are currently raising funds for Creative Connections for Carers to help us continue delivering creative opportunities and support for carers of all ages. If you'd like to support this campaign, you can find out more or pledge now.