As we move into 2021 and start planning for the years to come, Candlelighters want to ensure that the voices of the children and young people we support are heard, so they can feed into the charity’s future plans.

Therefore we have launched ‘Young Dreamers’, a new project which will focus on gaining the feedback of the children & young adults we support. As part of this project, we are planning 3 special days across Yorkshire, which will bring together the children and young people (aged 5-18) who have been supported by Candlelighters. Please note these days are for all our families (Bereaved, On Treatment, and Post Treatment).

As well as gaining feedback, these events will also have some super fun activities to take part in too!  

The children and young people will spend the first part of their day taking part in a feedback project – here we will ask them about the future plans of the charity; including our fundraising ideas, family support services, support on the ward/clinic, holiday and financial support, our digital transformation project AND there is an opportunity for them to feed into the plans for the new Children’s Hospital which is currently being designed.

In true Candlelighters fashion, we have thought up some fabulous, fun ways to ask these important questions and gain feedback in the most age-appropriate way. After the feedback session has finished, there will be time for snacks before we all have an adventure!

As spaces are limited and we kindly ask that families attend the event nearest to their home.

On Wednesday 1^st September, at Ripley Castle, we will become explorers as we search the grounds trying to complete their orienteering challenge!

On Thursday 2^nd September, at Welton Waters, Brough, we will make sail across the lake in our very own boat and take part in some other fun water activities.

On Friday 3^rd September, at Little Deer Wood, Mirfield we will complete a low ropes course or maybe become Robin Hood for the day and try some archery?

All of the activities are accessible and children will be supervised by the Candlelighters team at all times. Although parents are not invited to take part in the feedback session or the activities you are welcome to stay for a hot drink and meet other parents. Alternatively, you can drop your child off for the day and pick them up in the afternoon – whichever you prefer.

We ask all participants to arrive at 10am to begin the day at 10:30am – the day will finish at approx. 3pm.

This event is for both patients & siblings and we kindly ask that all children who attend are confident & comfortable in giving feedback and have experience of using The Squares family support services or being on the ward/clinic.

If you would like to sign your child/children up or find out more about this project then please contact community@candlelighters.org.uk and we will be in touch with more information soon.