Young carers sometimes need a helping hand – sometimes even to recognise that they are carers, according to Mark Phillips, the operations director for a charity which runs a young carers’ respite centre in Powys.

The Honeypot Children’s Charity is a national organisation with a base in Dolfor, near Newtown, and offers weekend short breaks for carers as young as five. Around 63 children a year, aged between five and 12, with a range of caring responsibilities, are referred to the centre in Dolfor, which allows them to simply be children, without responsibilities on their shoulders.

“Everything we offer is child-led, whether it's activities or a chance to chill and relax,” said Mark.

“It’s just nice for them to be away, and a chance to be themselves. It’s quite magical in terms of the effect it has. It’s only a weekend, but it can be enough of a refresher and reset.”

In 2025, the Honeypot received a grant from the Green Man Trust, funding breaks for four young carers from the Brecon area.

The Green Man Trust is an offshoot of the Green Man Festival, held at the Glanusk Estate in Crickhowell every August, and was founded by Fiona Stewart, the festival’s owner and managing director. It helps fund projects, training and provides resources for the local community.

As well as the Honeypot Children’s Charity, Llangynidr Primary School has received two Trust grants. Headteacher Sian Shepherson said they helped fund 18 months of Forest School Leader training for a staff member, allowing outdoor learning for the whole school. The grants have also supported the development of a gardening area, including a potting shed and greenhouse.

“Grants like this enable us to pay for the extras which enrich children’s school experiences,” she said.

“Children learn in different ways and being outside in a less structured environment helps them build confidence and resilience. It allows them to take risks in a safe environment.”

In Brecon, Green Man Trust grants have helped Priory Church in Wales School – first funding a book vending machine, then later a revamped, decorated shipping container to act as a drop-in hub and swap shop.

Headteacher Claire Pugh said: “We noticed that, after Covid, reading levels had dropped, so we wanted to find an innovative way to get children to read a physical book. Statistically, we are in a deprived area, so the vending machine enables all children, regardless of background, to have a book as a birthday present.”

In 2024, the school used a £34,700 Green Man Trust grant to create a shipping container ‘Hub’, donated and installed by Trust staff. It provides a drop-in space for meetings, while a swap shop helps families access school uniforms and kit in a non-judgemental setting.

“It makes a massive difference to families that the children have what they need,” said Ms Pugh.

“We need to remember that families with both parents working sometimes still struggle in the current climate, and we’ve seen the swap shop have a huge impact for those families.”