Two of our amazing Young Adult Carers, Emily and Harriet, have been very busy baking this weekend. Inspired by Captain Tom’s 100 challenge, they decided they would bake 100 biscuits each to raise money for Suffolk Family Carers.
Here is Emily’s story:
“Cook dinner, sort washing, clean house, give medication, go shopping, collect children from school and help with homework and personal care. This list is not the job description of a paid carer or a to do list of a parent, but a list of things a young carer does on a daily basis. Being a young carer or young adult carer is different for every individual, but for many it involves doing daily household chores, helping loved ones with personal care and dealing with other’s emotional wellbeing on top of their own wellbeing.
“I became a young carer when I was around 8 or 9. I am now 20 and my caring role has changed dramatically over these 11 years as the people I cared for and their needs changed. Throughout my time as a young carer and young adult carer I received support from Suffolk Family Carers. They provide one-to-one support, drop ins at schools and colleges and regular respite events which give carers a chance to meet other young people in the same position as them and give young carers a chance to be young people, have a break and relax. These events allow young carers to build relationships with each other.
“I have seen this first hand with the friendship I have made with Harriet, another young adult carer. The challenges of being a young adult carer have evolved as the recent pandemic hit. Both of us have experienced a change in our caring role as a result of a family member developing long Covid. During the lockdowns it was easy to feel overwhelmed and alone but Suffolk Family Carers have really helped with this by continuing their amazing support and adapting the way they work to fit with the pandemic. Suffolk Family Carers are a charity that do their best to give us all we need, we have decided we would like to give back. This is why me and Harriet have been inspired by the Captain Tom 100 challenge and we will each be baking and decorating 100 rainbow biscuits over the May bank holiday. We are doing this to raise money for Suffolk Family Carers to help them continue their amazing work and reach many more young people.”
To donate and show support to Emily and Harriet’s amazing efforts and to help us continue working with young carer and young adult carers please visit their Virgin Giving page.
