For parents
Whether your child takes part in a respite or learning break with us, joins a virtual workshop or is part of our community outreach programme, all of our services are designed to give the children a break from their everyday responsibilities and make the most of their one chance at childhood.
Over the years we have worked with thousands of young carers, parents and wider family, and developed strong relationships with referrers including local authorities, social work teams, school welfare officers, GPs and other welfare organisations. This allowed us to support the children with the most urgent needs in the best way possible.
“When my daughter is at Honeypot House, I know she is being well cared for and there is no judgement being made why she is there which is something she can feel in other environments. I never worry about her home situation being discussed or criticised.”
Our programme
We support young carers through a mixture of respite breaks, digital inclusion, online learning, and community outreach. This way we can not only provide them with fun and relief, but help to also protect their mental health and let them develop meaningful relationships with peers with shared experience. Each year, we are able to reach more than 3,000 children through our programme.
To find out more about our online respite breaks and how to sign up a child, please contact us on families@honeypot.org.uk.
Respite breaks
Respite breaks form the core of our work and are delivered across two sites: our Honeypot House Hampshire in the New Forest, Honeypot Pen y Bryn in Mid-Wales and Scotland, Honeypot Dallegales. The breaks consist of two nights-three day stays and are designed for children who could benefit from some time away in a safe and nurturing environment. We want to give them the opportunity to have some fun, worry-free time, play with peers and enjoy new activities and experiences in a safe and child-friendly environment.
All groups are hosted by an experienced and dedicated Children’s Services Leader and two Children’s Residential Support Workers. Our houses are each set within their own spacious grounds with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and lots of room to run around.
“I love when my son comes home full of stories about his break and stories about the other children he has met who have similar childhoods to his own. ”
What children love about the breaks
Many young carers don’t often get the chance to fully switch off and engage in fun activities without feeling guilty or worried. During our respite stays, they are in a beautiful, homely environment close to nature, surrounded by peers and looked after by a professional team who does everything to help them create wonderful memories that they will have for their lifetime.
They can choose from a range of activities both inside and outdoors, there really is something for every child: trampolines, building dens, bike riding, exploring woodland, campfires, arts and crafts, playing with Honeypot pets, baking, model-making, group games… there really are activities for every taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can refer a child to us?
Children must be referred to us by a professional who works with your family. This might be a young carer’s worker, a teacher, social worker, or someone else who supports your family. If you think that your child would benefit from a Honeypot break, ask a professional to make a referral.
What happens after a professional has referred my child?
One of the Honeypot team will be in touch with you to discuss your child’s needs and to check that Honeypot can meet them. This may be a phone or video call, a visit to your home, or at a meeting with the service who made the referral. We can answer any questions that you might have at the same time too.
How much will the break cost?
There is no charge for the break and all activities and ice-creams are included too, so please do not send any money with your child; there is nowhere to spend it and it may get lost.
How will my child get to the break at Honeypot?
We have our own minibuses, with a travel chaperone, that collect children for each break from an agreed pick-up point in your area. We will advise you of the location and times in advance of the break.
Where will my child sleep?
Our bedrooms each sleep between three and six children. Many have bunk beds and all are super comfy with bright, attractive children’s bedding and cosy duvets. Children share with others of the same gender. Staff rooms are separate but within easy access should a child need staff support during the night.
My child has food INTOLERANCES', should I send food for the break?
All food is home-cooked using fresh ingredients wherever possible and there is always a good choice available. We will discuss any intolerance, allergies, or religious needs with you before the break and ensure that these foods are not included in your child’s diet. Please do not send any food, as other children may have allergies too. Children are never forced to eat anything they don’t want but are encouraged to sample things they haven’t tried before.
What happens about the regular medication that my child needs to take daily?
We will ask you to complete our medication form and to ensure that all medication is handed directly to the chaperone when your child is picked up at the start of a break. Details of medication, dosage and frequency should be included on the form. Staff at Honeypot will ensure that medication is given as per your instructions. It will be handed back to you when your child returns from the break.
Can I choose which house my child goes to?
Unfortunately, not, places on breaks are allocated according to your geographical area. Both houses are equally amazing and have similar facilities that are supervised by wonderful staff teams.
How can I contact my child while they are at Honeypot
You will receive a text message to let you know that your child has arrived safely, and you are welcome to call to speak with staff at any reasonable time. The children are out and about enjoying themselves for most of the day so if you wish to speak to your child, it’s best to call between 6.30pm and 8.00pm. Children are able to call home whenever they ask to do so, and are routinely encouraged to call home during the second evening of their stay.
What will my child be doing during the break?
We have a great variety of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children busy throughout their stay. These may vary a little during the year according to special events like Halloween, Easter and Christmas, and some outdoor activities are weather dependent. We can promise though that there will always be a range of activities to appeal to and excite all children staying with us.
What will my child need to bring to Honeypot?
We will provide you with a kit list when we confirm a place on a break for your child. We advise you not to send any ”best” clothes as children often get muddy or covered in paint, leaving clothes and shoes in ruins! Despite the best efforts of our team, children can also be prone to leaving things behind. We provide towels and bedding and have spare clothes and laundry facilities, so there’s no need to pack for every eventuality. We also have a stock of wellies in assorted sizes so it’s not essential to pack these bulky items. Please use small, soft type backpacks or overnight bags as our minibus can’t accommodate suitcases. Please ensure that you pack the following essentials: Jumpers, tee-shirts, trousers, (shorts, during summertime), socks, underwear, pyjamas, a swimming costume or swimming trunks, a waterproof coat (warm if wintertime) and trainers or sensible shoes. We have toothpaste and toiletries, so your child just needs to bring a toothbrush.
Will I be able to keep in touch with my child on their mobile phone?
To meet with health and safety at Honeypot, children should not bring mobile phones with them but can ask to phone home at any time and you can call the house if you need to speak with them.
Will my child be able to come back to Honeypot next year?
We want every child to have a fantastic time at Honeypot while away from their caring responsibilities, so to ensure the safety, enjoyment and comfort of all Honeypot children and staff we are not able to cater for children with behavioural issues. All children who follow our basic rules will be invited back each year until their 13th birthday.
Other organisations that could help your child
Schools
Honeypot’s main service provision for young carers between the ages of 5 and 12 is Respite Breaks at one of our Houses in Hampshire, Wales or Ayrshire. However, as we see demand increase for our services we have expanded to provide digital and face-to-face support and a pastoral service that aims to support families and young carers through their time with Honeypot.
We are just one offer of support available in the UK for young carers and on this page, we have collated some helpful provisions available should you or your child need further assistance.
Remember, If you need support in an emergency call 999. If you need urgent medical advice call the NHS 111 (England & Wales) or NHS 24 (Scotland) and if you need medical advice you can book an emergency GP appointment with your GP surgery during opening hours.
The Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities (MACA) can be used in any setting, such as a school or Family Hub to identify young carers. All schools should be using the MACA to make sure that they are aware of any young carers in their school who may be struggling.
Young carers have to navigate sometimes extremely challenging circumstances and often they do this alone without support from the services that could be available to them. All young carers should be assessed under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 to ensure that they receive the right support to help them to thrive.