The new title, Young Carers in Space, will be launched at a special event on:

Saturday 18 October 2025, 11:00am–2:00pm

The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie’s Dock, Cathedral Street, London SE1 9DE

Kingston’s young carers will attend the event, with transport generously arranged by Kingstonian FC. (Our community partner)

Kingston young carers at the heart of the project

Kingston’s young carers were instrumental in shaping Young Carers in Bunnyland, the heartwarming picture book at the centre of the Young Carers Illustration Project. They provided creative input on illustrations, story elements, and even chose the title and named the main character, Honey—a six-year-old young carer who reflects many of their own real-life experiences.

The original book was proudly launched by Kingston Carers’ Network at our Dream Big event at Chessington World of Adventures on 2 November 2024. Its success was immediate: Young Carers in Bunnyland was in such demand that quickly that a reprint was required just 19 days after its initial release.

Building on that success, Kingston’s young carers have once again played an important role in developing the themes for this new book, and they are excited to be attending the launch.

Launch highlights

The launch of Young Carers in Space will feature:

• Children’s entertainers on the Golden Hinde, including activities like loading a cannon and hauling up the anchor
• Lunch and refreshments for all guests
• A free copy of the new book for every attendee
• An opportunity to meet Ana Graça in person
• A planned appearance by award-winning children’s author Rab Ferguson (The Late Crew)

Why it matters

There are millions of children worldwide who provide care for family members, yet their lives are almost invisible in children’s literature. The Young Carers Illustration Project aims to change that, using creative storytelling and illustration to ensure that young carers are seen, heard, and supported.

Kingston Carers’ Network is proud that our young carers are helping lead this change alongside this project.

Free resources: Young Carers in Bunnyland and accompanying information packs are available free of charge via our website and on Apple Books. We aim to make the new book available in the coming weeks.

Press contacts

John Bangs — jbangsuk@icloud.com (Young Carers Illustrations)

Simon Bangs simon.bangs@kingstoncarers.org.uk (Kingston Carers Network).

⚖️ LPA Fee Changes

Subject to parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Justice will increase the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application fee later this year.

• From 17 November 2025, the fee will rise from £82 to £92 per application.

• Some applicants may qualify for exemption (no fee) or remission (fee reduction) depending on their circumstances.

  💡 Did you know? With a donation to KCN, we can help complete straightforward LPA applications.

📺 Need help to understand Probate?

HM Courts & Tribunal Service have released a new video explaining:

• What Probate is

• When it’s needed (and when it’s not!)

• How to apply

  👉 The video aims to save time and stress for families navigating the process.

• Guidance when applying for probate

•  

🗓️ Benefits Advice Drop-in for Carers

Don’t forget, on the last Friday of every month we run a friendly benefits advice session:

• 9.30 – 11.00am: quick Q&A drop-in (no appointment needed)

• 11.00am: one bookable slot for more detailed support

Book by emailing Benefits@Kingstoncarers.org.uk

As always, we’re here to support you 💙

Togetherall is a free, anonymous, online mental health support service now available to all residents aged 16+ across South West London – including Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, and Croydon which complements the support we provide. 

It offers a safe space for anyone who may be:

✔️ Waiting for support

✔️ In between sessions

✔️ Not ready to access face-to-face services

With Togetherall you can access:

🌐 24/7 peer-to-peer support community

👩‍⚕️ Clinical moderation by trained professionals

📚 Self-guided tools, resources and courses (anxiety, depression, stress, sleep + more)

📱 Flexible access from any device, anytime

✨ Getting started is simple – just visit: togetherall.com/swlondon

Register in minutes and access immediate support.

Please help spread the word – this service could be the first step to better mental wellbeing for someone in need 💙