Crossroads Care for Young Carers have been working with artist Ruth Gowland to create a felt wall hanging. Here's their report of the project: 

The group decided that the theme for our hanging would be based on caring (positive and negative aspects), 'helping hands' and the local area and environment.  Many hands went into this creation.  The felt was handmade from marino wool.  Each piece is different and an expression of the individuals creativity.  Much of our inspiration came from personal caring experiences, walking in the local countryside and discussing what it is like to be a carer from the viewpoint of being a young carer and from the parents who are 'cared for'. 

As we walked around our centre we saw Red Kites which became very inspirational for the group as a symbol of 'freedom'.  We saw rainbows and sunshine as a reflection of 'hope'. 

We decided to express some positive words and phrases on our banners so that everyone could see them and the more negative feelings which came up have been written on cards and sealed within the small 'purses' stitched onto the banner and hidden away.  A couple of our young carers weren't able to come to the sessions but were still able to contribute as we provided the materials and instructions for them to use at home.  Some of the clients who attend the Daybreak service at our centre have also been part of this project, thoroughly enjoying the whole process of making the felt and seeing their finished pieces as part of our banner - spanning the generations!  Sitting alongside others who are in similar situations created an atmosphere of understanding and support.  Many of the mums really benefited from a time of sharing difficulties and common problems. 

Well done to everyone involved - we are very proud to have such beautiful art work to enjoy and many thanks to Ruth for all her hard work, dedication and patient spirit!