A campaign is being launched to tackle isolation among local young carers, as part of Young Carers Action Day, taking place this week.
Carers’ Resource, the charity which supports young and adult carers across the Bradford and Craven districts, is aiming to make clubs and groups more accessible for young carers.
Many families with caring responsibilities find it difficult to transport their children to and from activities, due to financial and practical limitations.
Carers’ Resource is raising funds to provide transport to youth clubs and groups, enabling young carers to feel less isolated.
Helen Prince, Head of Development, Young Carers and Families, at Carers’ Resource, said: “This year the theme for Young Carers Action Day is ‘Taking Action on Isolation’.
“For young carers, having the right support can be really beneficial, giving them a better chance of succeeding in all parts of their lives.
“Young carers need regular breaks from caring, and groups where they can have fun and talk to our staff and other young carers. We can see the difference this makes to the young carers who do attend and we want more young people to be able to access these groups.
“We know there are many causes in need of funds at the moment, but please do consider supporting local young carers in some way, however small. It will make a big difference to the lives of young people.”
Sophia Cunningham, a young carer, attends one of the Carers’ Resource youth groups. She said: “It’s a nice break for me and it means that I can just chill out and make new friends.”
Kaine Forster-Smith also attends one of the groups. He said: “It’s a great chance for me to socialise and get out of the house. We play games, and do a lot of cooking, we’ve made Chinese food, honeycomb, banana splits – we all get to choose what we do.”
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, frailty or addiction. Most young carers look after one of their parents or help care for a brother or sister.
Carers’ Resource organises mentoring, trips, youth clubs and activities for young carers across Bradford, Harrogate and Craven, providing fun, friendship and support.
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event, organised each year by Carers Trust. This year it takes place on Wednesday 16th March.
It’s a day for raising public awareness of young carers and young adult carers, the pressures and challenges they face, and the incredible contribution they make by caring for their family members and friends.
It is also a day to call for more action to support young and young adult carers and give them the extra bit of help they need to live full and healthy lives.
Young carers can be put in touch with Carers’ Resource by a family member, teacher, GP or other professional, or they can get in touch themselves. See youngcarersresource.org/ for more details.
Greens win Bradford Council seats in Ilkley and Craven
Five Ilkley artists prepare to open their studios
Labour wins North Yorkshire Mayoral election by nearly 15,000 votes
Experience 'Zip The Cow' for Manorlands Hospice!
Kex Gill on course to open by end of June, say council
No Northern train services next Thursday due to strike
Developer's bid to change planning condition on Silsden housing estate raises concerns
Local young dancers chosen for production of Swan Lake
South Craven plans to join East Lancashire schools in new Trust
Council increases library fines for first time in a decade
A-list celebrities support Brownies Bookmark Project
Heat Pump & Solar Panel Open Day in Ilkley on Saturday
Armed Forces Brew Up to take place at Airedale Hospital
Friends of Ilkley Moor announces AGM
Lidl seeks new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley
Ilkley Civic Society raises concerns over proposals for Changing Places Toilet
Countdown to “spectacular” Mardi-Gras themed Ilkley Carnival begins!
Craven Museum shortlisted for major national award
Tributes paid to 14 year old killed at weekend in Keighley crash
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash
