Marking Young Carers Action Day

Young Carers Action Day is taking place on Wednesday 15th March, focusing on the theme of making time for young people in 2023.

The aim of Young Carers Action Day, which was originally set up by The Carers Trust, is to celebrate and identify young carers.

A young carer might:

• do practical tasks, such as cooking, housework, shopping and family budgeting
• provide emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed
• ·offer personal care, such as helping someone out of bed with a hoist or helping them dress
• help with siblings
• give medication or pick up prescriptions.

A caring role can affect young carers in the following ways.

• Emotionally – putting others first, being worried, anxious or stressed.
• Physically – suffering strains from heavy lifting or not looking after their own health.
• Socially – not able to meet up with friends.
• Educationally – difficulties concentrating in class, feeling tired, worried or no time for homework.

As part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s All Age Carers Strategy 2021-26, a Young Carers Service run by Crossroads Together has been commissioned to engage with young carers and their families, as well as work with schools to help students and staff.

Work can include visiting schools for one-to-ones with students identified as young carers or group sessions and talks that educate all students and staff about what it is like to be a young carer.

The service also includes a long-term partnership with The Carers Trust and Children’s Society to deliver the Young Carers in Schools Award, which several schools across west Cheshire have already achieved. Putting in place this programme has shown increased confidence, wellbeing, achievement and attainment of young carers.

• More about the All Age Carers Strategy 2021-26
• Access the Young Carers Service

Crossroads Together has recently produced an educational video, in partnership with local young carers and Storyhouse, to highlight their role and help identify them across west Cheshire.

Councillor Robert Cernick, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Many young people don’t realise they’re carrying out caring roles so Young Carers Action Day is very important, helping people receive the support they need and deserve.

“Through the Young Carers Service we commission at the Council, there is a range of support people can access through Crossroads Together.

“While we want to help young carers identify themselves, it’s also important we all look out for friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues who might be caring for others and need support.”

Crossroads Together has recently produced this educational video, in partnership with local young carers and Storyhouse, to highlight their role and help identify them across West Cheshire.