Over 1,000 young carers registered in B&NES but many more need support
Glow Time! Some young carers enjoyed their first beauty and skincare workshop; learning, relaxing and taking time for a little self-care.
The Carers’ Centre for Bath and North East Somerset has registered more than 1,000 young carers – children aged between five and 17 years old, who are caring for a loved one – but on this Young Carers Action Day (11 March) over 2,000 remain unidentified and needing support.
Most of us will care for, or be cared for, by a loved one at some point in our lives, but the impact on a child of taking on a caring role can be significant. Many young people are caring for someone with a long-term condition, disability, mental illness or addiction, and this responsibility can deeply affect their mental health, education and wellbeing, as they juggle school and caring duties.
Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) is a time to highlight the support that young carers give, and to remind us all of the need to help identify young carers, as many, like adult carers, do not see themselves as such.
‘It is so important to be gently aware that young people you know may be in a caring role, and find ways to nudge them towards support,’ says Jacqui Orchard, Chief Executive of The Carer’s Centre.
‘At least 2,000 more young people are carrying out caring roles across the region. If you’re a professional working in education or health settings, or if you’re a concerned adult or young person, you can contact us. We are here to offer calm, confidential advice and signposting.’
The Carers’ Centre supports young carers by offering free, fun, inclusive group activities, a wide range of wellbeing support and a safe space where young people can create a bespoke action plan to meet their needs. This helps combat isolation and provides unique experiences that young people might otherwise be unable to access.
‘Life can be very hard for us day to day... the emotional element is tough’, says young carer, J.
‘I know a lot of people who work at The Carers’ Centre have or have had caring experience, and for young carers especially, you can really relate to each other, and that's really nice.’
In addition to support for adult and young carers, The Carers’ Centre offers workshops and training for professionals in education settings. There is more info at: www.banescarerscentre.org.uk/WTYC
The Young Carers Challenge, led by Carers Trust, is another way schools can seek to support their young carer community. The challenge helps to raise awareness and makes sure that there is a trusted adult for young carers to approach and champion their unique needs and rights.
If you are a young carer, or know someone who might be, please drop The Carers’ Centre a line – it could be a call that changes the course of a life.