Young Carers go behind the scenes at Sky Academy, Livingston

Our young carers recently swapped their usual routines for lights, cameras and green screens, as we headed to the Sky Up Academy Studios in Livingston for a truly unforgettable day.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary trip. The studios looked and felt like a real TV production set – the kind you watch at home and think, “How does all that actually work?” By the end of the day, our young carers didn’t just know how it worked – they’d done it themselves.

Working in small groups, the young carers planned, filmed and produced their own content using professional studio equipment. They explored how green screens work, learned about presenting and production roles, and decided together how their final piece would look and feel.

This wasn’t about sitting and watching adults talk. It was hands‑on, creative and genuinely empowering. Everyone had a role to play – from planning and scripting right through to filming and reviewing the finished piece on the big screen.

For many of the young people, it was the first time they’d ever seen themselves on screen. For some, it was the first time they’d spoken with confidence in front of a group. These are big moments – and they matter.

Young carers often carry more responsibility than people realise. They may help look after a family member, manage emotional stress at home, or take on practical caring tasks – all while trying to be a child or young person themselves.

That’s why having a break from caring is so important.

Trips like this give young carers:

Time to be themselves
Space to try something new
A chance to be creative
Moments to build confidence away from home pressures

At our charity, these experiences are not an “extra” – they are central to our strategy. We believe young carers deserve opportunities to explore their talents, develop new skills and enjoy experiences that open their eyes to what’s possible for their future.

We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at Sky for making this experience possible. The staff were welcoming, encouraging and brilliant at making everyone feel comfortable in a professional studio setting.

Partnerships like this help us go further as a charity. They allow us to offer experiences that young carers might otherwise never access – and the impact lasts well beyond the day itself.