Date: Monday 4^th October 2021

Media Release: Young Carers Ambassador, Exeter Chiefs player Ollie Devoto had a fabulous sporting afternoon with young carers at West Exe School

Making the most of the glorious summer sunshine Devon Young Carers Ambassador and Exeter Chiefs player Ollie Devoto joined a group of young carers at West Exe School.

Young carers enjoyed an afternoon in the sun with Ollie, trying out batting skills,  racing around the bases and fielding as part of a rounders game. A variety of less-energetic garden games followed this, and then Ollie shared his rugby top-tips to inspire the next generation of potential rugby legends.  The perfect way to end the day was with ice cream.

One young carer said: “Joining Ollie for a sporting afternoon has been the highlight of my year.”

Whilst another young carer was ‘beaming’ when he got home and ‘really enjoyed the afternoon’.

Ollie said: “I was excited about meeting some of the new young carers at West Exe School and joining them for an afternoon outside playing different sports. The session was a fantastic experience for me. It helped me to understand more about their caring roles within their families, to thank them for everything they do and provide them with an opportunity to have fun running around, chatting and enjoy time thinking about something else.”

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting more young carers across Devon and for us all to create lasting memories.”

Hannah McNamara, Young Carers Lead Practitioner Exeter and Schools, said: “The sports afternoon with Ollie and the young carers is the first of many we hope to offer over the coming months. It was great for the young carers to have a change to their day, meet Ollie, and enjoy and take part in a new opportunity.”

For more information about Devon Young Carers please visit: www.westbank.org.uk/devonyoungcarers

Photo: Ollie Devoto with young carers at West Exe School

Photo credit: West Exe School Exeter

Devon Young Carers work with young people aged 4 to 18 who help look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs and alcohol. We work to make sure that young carers are supported through our service and others, including specialist advice, access to respite opportunities and 1:1 support as identified in an assessment.

Devon Young Carers, commissioned by Devon County Council, and delivered by Devon-based charity Westbank Community Health and Care, supports over 1,600 young carers across Devon through a range of support and services.

For more information: www.westbank.org.uk/devonyoungcarers