YouCan Summer Activities

Supporting children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use

Over the summer, our YouCan team has been busy providing safe, positive and memorable experiences for 14 children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use.

YouCan offers one-to-one support and group activities where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, try new things and connect with others who may have similar experiences.

Fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes

We started the summer with a brilliant morning of fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes.

Everyone managed to catch lots of fish and even our staff couldn’t resist having a go!

A huge thank you to UK Fishing School for helping to make the day so special. Their team were patient, supportive and fantastic at helping everyone feel comfortable and confident.

Learning lifesaving skills

Our second activity focused on practical first aid and lifesaving skills. Young people learned how to respond in an emergency and built their confidence in knowing what to do when someone needs help. Learning these skills can help young people feel more prepared and confident if an emergency happens at home or out in the community.

Own a Pony Day at Squirrel Wood Equestrian Centre

We enjoyed a magical Own a Pony Day at Squirrel Wood Equestrian Centre.

The group learned what it takes to care for a pony, including grooming, feeding, tacking up, mucking out and riding through the woodland.

For some of the young people, this was a once in a lifetime experience, and we love being able to create opportunities and memories like this.

Laser Quest

The summer also included a trip to Laser Quest, with young people travelling together by minibus to Bury St Edmunds. It was a great opportunity to have fun, spend time together and enjoy something a little different!

Art workshop

We also held an art workshop, giving young people the chance to get creative and express themselves through art. They created artwork to display at our centre, helping to make the space feel personal and welcoming for the young people who use it.

Outdoor adventure at Eaton Vale

We headed to Eaton Vale Scout and Guide Activity Centre for an action packed day of outdoor activities.

The group took part in an assault course, raft building, climbing and archery, with plenty of encouragement and support from the instructors.

With the sun shining, everyone especially enjoyed cooling off in the water while raft building!

Pottery painting at Honeypots Studio

Our young people also got creative during a pottery painting trip to Honeypots Studio.

Everyone created some amazing designs, and we can’t wait to see the finished pieces once they have been glazed!

Finishing the summer with an escape room challenge

We finished the summer programme with an escape room challenge at Escape Hunt.

It was a fun way for young people to work together, communicate, solve problems and put their teamwork skills to the test. We’re proud to say that both groups managed to escape within an hour!

Why YouCan support matters

Growing up with a family member’s substance use can affect a young person’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of stability. Having somewhere safe to talk, feel listened to and spend time with others who may understand their experiences can make a real difference.

YouCan provides children and young people with access to one-to-one support, group activities and advisory groups, where young people can share their views and help shape the service.

Through these opportunities, YouCan helps young people feel heard, build confidence, develop positive coping strategies and recognise that they are not alone in their experiences.

Our summer activities are just one part of the wider support available through YouCan for children and young people affected by substance use in their family.

Get support from YouCan

If you or someone you know could benefit from YouCan support, please get in touch with our team.