The Mask Inside My Head

Cheshire Young Carers have recently been part of a project that has grown in the most meaningful way over the past year.

The Mask Inside My Head began when we worked with a group of young carers, The Hammond School, and writer Peter Cox to explore what life looks like for young people who take on caring responsibilities at home. Together, they created a one‑off performance that was honest, thoughtful, and incredibly well received.

The Hammond’s original performance planted a seed. Earlier this year, an opportunity arose to work with 2Engage and bring the play to a wider audience. With their support the project evolved into a small tour, giving more schools the chance to experience the stories at its heart. What started as a single school production became Kodi on Tour, taking the voices and experiences of young carers directly into classrooms and assembly halls across Cheshire.

Throughout this journey, the aim has stayed the same: to create space for young carers to be heard and understood. Their insights shaped the script, their experiences informed the themes, and their honesty guided the tone of the play. With the help of 2Engage’s talented actors, those stories were brought to life in a way that felt accessible, respectful, and engaging for students of all ages.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this possible. To the schools who welcomed the project and took part with such openness, thank you. To 2Engage and their actors, your commitment helped the play reach new audiences. To Peter Cox and the young carers who co‑created the original script, your work continues to resonate. And to every young carer who trusted us with their experiences, this project exists because of you.