Meet Tali

From the age of 3 Tali’s parents had to leave for hospital appointments, leaving Tali anxious, her mum said “she paid a cost emotionally”. Tali also shared a room with Rico growing up, being his first port of call. She was always there, risk assessing, cleaning up and helping him. His dyspraxia meant he lost a lot of things, Tali took on the extra responsibility, dressing him, organising, packed lunches, things most young girls her age don’t even think about.

Rico and Tali attended the same primary school, making Tali feel extra responsibility. Many young carers grow up quicker, they learn hard and soft skills from a young age. She’s still a child, but it’s her default now to be the caring adult.

She joined Honeypot in 2021 and has been on multiple Respite Breaks, online workshops, memory making days and received pastoral support.

Her mum said the online workshops in between breaks gave her the confidence to try new things, this then continued through in person memory making days.

All these amazing positive experiences she has never done before, the encouragement from adults, meeting those in a similar life setting and giving her the opportunity to be removed from her home life to grow as an individual independently. She used to struggle forming relationships, but she’s much more confident in asking questions and approaching others now, thanks to being around adults at Honeypot.

She’s grown into who she is thanks to Honeypot, she feels safe. Her stress and anxiety is so much better. There is no stigma, she can be who she wants to be. The wrap round service has proven she can have a good time with whoever she is around.