Wrexham Conwy and Denbighshire (WCD) Young Carers and Young carers from Credu Powys and Ceredigion will call for UK governments, local authorities and schools to give them a break in a series of activities today during the week of the March 12.
They are making the call on Young Carers Action Day, an annual event organised by charity Carers Trust with its network of local carers organisations across the UK. The day aims to raise awareness of the constant pressures faced by young carers – young people who look after family or friends with an illness, disability or addiction.
Activities taking place by Credu Young Carers for Young Carers Action Day include:
- Young Carer representatives of the Carers Trust Youth Council are visiting the Senedd in Cardiff to speak to Ministers
- Young carers in Ceredigion and Conwy are taking part in Welsh language poetry workshops with Bardd Plant Cymru Nia Morais
- Multiple School drop-in’s and after school clubs are taking place across the Counties we support with a focus on Young Carers Action Day
The theme for this year’s Young Carers Action Day is “Give Me a Break”. Young Carers have heavy responsibilities, leaving them little time for themselves and putting them at risk of burnout. Statistics show there are over 15,000 young carers caring for 50 hours a week or more in the UK, including 3,000 aged just five to nine. All young carers need breaks to rest, recharge, and enjoy hobbies or socialising, just like their friends.
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The “Give Me a Break” theme also highlights the need for support from schools and employers. Young Carers miss more than a month of the school year on average because of the pressures of their caring role. By offering understanding and practical support, education professionals and employers can give young carers the break they need to succeed.
Credu’s CEO Becky Evans said: “In Credu it is a massive privilege to be alongside so many brilliant Young people who support their family and friends. Each Young person is different, but what is important to all is that people notice, value and listen to them and that they have the chance to rest, play and connect with others who understand.”
Rhys Roberts young adult carer said: “Having a break last week gave me an opportunity to meet new faces and support them to love themselves and have confidence. For me it helped me learn what others go through and it gave me the time to think and also cry when i needed to so that was good. Young Carers listen and the don’t judge
“Breaks are important to a young carer as they need their own time to relax, feel good about themselves and not stress over anything.”
Cllr Rob Walsh, lead member for children’s and family services, said: “This year’s Young Carers Action Day’s theme, Take a Break, is so important. Young carers can bear a huge burden and it is important to ensure that their caring roles do not have a negative impact.
“As part of the day, councils are also being urged to sign the Young Carers Covenant and I am pleased to say that in Wrexham we have already done this. Both supporting this Take a Break event and signing the covenant show Wrexham Council’s commitment to listening to young carers and ensuring that their needs are meet in order to thrive both personally and academically.”
To help the estimated more than one million young carers across the UK, Carers Trust and young carers are calling for governments to ensure funding is available for all UK young carers to have access to a break.
MPs, councils and employers are also being urged to sign the Young Carers Covenant – a UK-wide commitment to young carers. It sets out 10 key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives.
