Gloucestershire Teens Empower Young Carers Through Mosquito Mission

In Gloucestershire, a group of young carers aged 11 to 25 have formed the Mosquito Mission, a support network that is making a difference in their community. Operated by Gloucestershire Young Carers, the Mosquito Mission provides a platform for these young individuals to share their experiences and advocate for better understanding and support.

Through the Mosquito Mission, the young carers deliver training and awareness-raising sessions to a range of professionals, including teachers, social workers, GPs, university staff, and trainee police officers. By sharing their personal stories, they aim to give these key figures a real-life insight into the daily lives of young carers in the region.

The impact of the Mosquito Mission has been profound. Participants like Heidi, 17, who has cared for her father for many years, have found solace in connecting with others who truly understand their struggles. "People don't understand that, so to have people who do understand is so good, to know that the people here just get it, is so nice," Heidi expressed.

The group's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Mosquito Mission has been nominated as a finalist in BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate unsung local heroes. "They've worked so hard, and this shows that people are seeing the difference they're making," said Scott Bailey-Locke, the participation lead at Gloucestershire Young Carers.

As the Mosquito Mission continues to empower young carers and advocate for their needs, it serves as an inspiring example of how a group of determined individuals can make a lasting impact on their community.