Young Carers Action Day – supporting heroic young carers in North Wales

One in twelve children become a young carer at some point during childhood…and these are our unsung heroes from every community in Wrexham.

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So what’s it like being a young carer?Star players How to apply for a card

They often help look after a parent or sibling who might be ill or disabled, and they carry a lot of responsibility on their young shoulders.

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Today (March 16) is Young Carers Action Day, and it sees the launch of the new North Wales Young Carers ID card.

During lockdown it was clear that lots of us don’t appreciate the work they do and some young carers even faced abuse or were refused entry when trying to pick up essential items for their families.

As a result a new card has been launched – the North Wales Young Carers ID Card which aims to help recognise our amazing young heroes here in Wrexham and the rest of North Wales.

The card is something that young carers have asked for – so that everyone, teachers, health professionals and shops know that they carry extra responsibilities, and can give them a bit of extra support if they need it.

So what’s it like being a young carer?

Amy, aged 12 from Wrexham, says:

“Being a young carer can be a bit fun, but really hard and stressful.”

Star players

The card is part of a national initiative involving Welsh Government, local councils and carers groups. And in North Wales, Wrexham Football Club is supporting the launch – much to the delight of our local heroes. The club says: “Everyone from our owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, to our manager and players, think young carers are inspiring and amazing, and deserve recognition and support.”

“The club will be raising the profile of young carers when it streams its game against Eastleigh tonight – so book a ticket and tune into the match tonight to hear more! https://page.inplayer.com/wrexhamafc/

Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Education, says: “Young carers do an amazing job and take on so much responsibility.

“To borrow a football phrase, each and every one of them is a ‘star player’…and it’s brilliant that our local football club is supporting the launch of the ID card.

“The pandemic has made things even more challenging for many young carers, and made them more likely to be challenged when visiting shops or doing other tasks that adults normally do.

“So I hope this scheme makes a big difference, and helps them feel more confident in school and when they’re out shopping for their family.”

Andrew Atkinson, Lead member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s brilliant that Wrexham Football Club has agreed to support our young carers, not only here but across North Wales and I’m sure all young carers will appreciate this support.

“Lots of young carers have experienced problems during lockdown but these have served to highlight the many tasks they take on in order to care for their loved ones. We are extremely grateful for their contribution and extremely hard job in achieving this whilst going to school and keeping up with school work.

“We all hope the card goes a long way to making life a little easier for them as they continue this important caring role.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my personal thanks to Cllr Phil Wynn who has spearheaded this initiative in Wrexham.”