Northumberland’s Young Carers applauded for commitment to others

16 Mar 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Young carers across the county are being applauded for the commitment and contributions they make to their families and communities as part of Young Carers Actions Day.
 
Young Carers Action Day 2022 which is being celebrated on Wednesday 16 March aims to raise awareness of young carers and help to protect their futures.  
 
A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or misuses drugs or alcohol. A young carer might take on practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping, help with physical and personal care, give emotional support, have to manage family budgets, give medicine or look after and care for siblings. 
 
Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for Children’s Services said: “Young carers play a vital role in the lives of others, and it is important they feel supported as well.
 
“Carers Northumberland help us as a local authority, help them, do exactly that and ensure our young carers can access much-needed respite and care themselves.
 
“They are just children and young people themselves and should have access to the same chances and opportunities as their peers despite their caring responsibilities.” 
 
Carers Northumberland are a local charity that support carers across Northumberland. The Young Carers Service supports young people up to the age of 18.  
 
Young Carers are able to access:  

• A Young Carers Worker, who offers 1-1 support, information and advice to Young Carers 
• An Active Northumberland pass – Young Carers aged 8-18 can access a free leisure pass 
• Young Carers grant – A small grants scheme is available; grants are awarded for young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities  
• Young Carers needs assessment, and impact assessments – these assessments can help plan support for young people 
• Access to a specialist 16 plus worker who can help Young Carers, with their education choices, CV’s and accessing employment 
• A regular Newsletter
• Young Carer ID cards
• Opportunities to meet other young carers, participate in group activities, trips and events.

Debra Blakey, Chief Executive of Carers Northumberland, said: “Our young carers deserve to be recognised, they deserve to be heard and they deserve our suport.  
 
“I hope very much, as I have in previous years that media channels will be flooded with support for young and young adult carers to show them that their voices have been heard and that we are here to protect their futures and help them to realise their future career dreams.” 
 
For more information on young carers in Northumberland visit https://www.carersnorthumberland.org.uk/carers/young-carers/ or if you would like to access the service please complete the referral form Young Carers Health and Wellbeing Check