A short break to discover fun and freedom
Jack is 11 years old and lives near Swansea with his mum and their five-year-old black Labrador, Sky. It’s a close-knit household, but one where Jack has had to grow up faster than most children his age.
Jack’s mum lives with several serious health conditions affecting her heart, liver, bowels and kidneys. As her main day-to-day support, Jack does a huge amount to keep the household going. He looks after Sky, manages chores like laundry and hoovering, and helps with physically demanding jobs such as carrying shopping or bringing in logs for the fire.
He also supports his mum in very personal ways: helping her get dressed, keeping track of medication, and preparing meals and cups of tea. All of this fits around school, homework and friendships — and at times, the pressure is immense.
Sometimes it makes me feel stressed… I get triggered really easily and feel really angry. I just can’t control my emotions.
Jack
Helping his mum gives Jack a strong sense of pride. But like many young carers, he often finds the emotional side of caring the hardest. He navigates adult responsibilities before and after school, and the constant worry about his mum’s health can make it difficult to simply enjoy being a child.
Thanks to the Short Breaks Scheme, Jack has been able to step away from his caring responsibilities and enjoy two breaks with The Honeypot Children’s Charity at their Pen y Bryn House in Wales. His first visit was when he was just 10.
For Jack, these breaks aren’t just holidays, they’re a chance to be a young boy again. A safe, nurturing environment where adults look after him for a change.
From the moment he arrived, staff noticed how quickly he settled in. He built strong relationships with other young carers and with the adults supporting him. Jack showed the same kindness he displays at home, often helping others, while also learning that it was okay to ask for comfort and reassurance.
I loved every last bit of it… it helps me be myself - because I don’t normally get to be myself.
Jack
Being outdoors helped Jack completely switch off. He loved basketball and football, spent his time running around, and embraced the chance to burn off energy. Staff saw how the routine, warmth and consistency helped him feel safe enough to relax, something many young carers struggle to do.
At Pen y Bryn House, Jack could focus on what matters most at his age: swimming, games, laughter, and making friends with other young carers who truly understand his world.
Knowing Jack is somewhere safe and having a good time makes all the difference. Honeypot allows us both to have a break and focus on ourselves for once.
Jack’s mum
Time away has helped Jack build confidence and emotional resilience. Realising his mum would be okay while he was gone meant he could enjoy the break without worry.
Each time Jack returns home, he does so feeling calmer, refreshed and more able to cope with the daily challenges of being a young carer.
I think it will be easier to look after my mum now I’ve had a fun break.
Jack
For Jack, the Short Breaks Scheme offers something incredibly rare: the space to just be a child - with no responsibilities, no expectations, and no pressure.
The break restores his energy, strengthens his confidence, and gives him the support he needs to continue the vital caring role he plays every day.
Find out more about short breaks with The Honeypot Children's Charity