Do you know a Young Carer?
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event, organised by Carers Trust.
It has taken place over the last six years to raise awareness of young carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities.
Until now, YCAD stood for Young Carers Awareness Day, but following feedback from young carers and young adult carers, Carers Trust have made some changes, including the name!
Previously taking place in January this year, YCAD will be celebrated on Tuesday 16th March. At Suffolk Family Carers we will be celebrating young carers and young adult carers through the whole week.
This year, the theme for YCAD is “Protect Young Carers’ Futures”. We will be encouraging young carers and young adult carers to celebrate the skills they have learnt through being a carer, such as empathy, organising, resilience, time management. These are all important skills for moving into adulthood, and also important for those looking to enter the workplace.
Nationally, Carers Trust will be developing policy briefings, calling on decision-makers in each UK nation to develop new national Action Plans for children and young people with caring responsibilities.
Locally, the Young Carers Team and Young Adult Carers Team at Suffolk Family Carers will be offering online respite activities, sharing young carer and young adult carer stories and also offering online leadership workshops. We will also be raising awareness among professionals, reaching out to schools and colleges with resource packs to increase identification of young carers in education settings.
Please keep your eyes on our social media channels and website for more information and updates.
Do you know a young carer or sibling carer
- Young carer – a young person who is caring for, or emotionally affected by, a family member who has a physical or mental illness, disability or misuses drugs or alcohol.
- Sibling carer – a young person who is affected by a brother or sister’s disability, illness or additional need.
Suffolk Family Carers welcomes referrals for young people aged 5 years and upwards, who are doing more than would usually be expected of someone their age, due to the long term condition of a family member. While some young carers offer practical help, others may provide more emotional support. Caring for a parent with a physical condition, for example, may involve physical help such as getting dressed or doing the cooking, but caring for a parent with a mental health problem, or who misuses drugs or alcohol, involves more emotional guidance and support. Sibling carers may feel the need to keep an eye on the brother or sister they care for, or worry about them when they are in school.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable advisers can offer:
- One to one catch ups to provide wellbeing support.
- Opportunities to meet other carers and have a break from their caring role.
- Workshops and programmes to build confidence and life skills.
- Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
- Online blogs, activities, tips & information.
- Advice and support in school.
- Condition specific information to increase understanding and reduce worry.
- Advocacy when their voice needs to be heard.
For more information, or to register, please visit www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/young-carers
or contact our Information Hub on 01473 835477.
