Caitlins Wish Young Carers Awareness

Caitlin’s Wish

Young CarersAwarenessPresentation.

A young carer is a child/young person under the age of 25 years old, who helps to look after someone at home,

and takes responsibility for them.

It might be a parent, sibling or family member with:

A disability. (Including invisible disabilities such as autism.)

A long term illness.(Including invisible illnesses such as brain conditions.)

A mental health condition.

A drug or alcohol addiction.

There is a hidden army of young carers all around you.

So, what do Young Carers do?

Cooking.Cleaning.Laundry.Washing dishes.Tidying.Making drinks.Grocery shopping.Looking after brothers and sisters.Translating (sign language & other languages.)

Washing, bathing , dressing the person they look after.

Giving them their medication.

Running errands.

Managing the family budget.

Emotional support.

Keeping them safe, and helping them understand the world.

So what does it feel like to be a young carer?

How many young carers are there in the UK?

700,000

700,000 Young Carers700,000

700,000

Education is a massive issue for Young Carers

Worldwide…

Bullying

Worryin

g

Attendanc

e

“No-one understands what

my life’s like.”

Young Carer, age

15.“ I don’t think

anyone has a

clue!”Young Carer

How can we change this?

“Every school will have young carers and just one individual teacher or support worker being involved can make a huge difference.” (The Princess Royal Trust for Carers)

“Teachers need to be aware of our role and make a positive difference when this affects our punctuality, attendance or homework.” (Children in wales and the Young Carers network Info Leaflet 2012)

‘Accept me for who I am!’ I didn’t choose to be a young carer, but I am!

‘Be a good listener’…sometimes we just need someone to listen to us.

‘Be supportive.’ A kind word, a smile, a hug – all these help to make us feel better when we’re going through a tough time.

‘Remember we are just like you, but with extra responsibilities.’

Make a difference

Make a difference for young carers….Top Tips.

Make a difference in someone’s

life this National

Young Carers Awareness

day~28th

January.

Many thanks to all the young carers and their families who allowed me to use their photos to raise awareness

for young carers.

For more information, please go towww.caitlinswish.co.uk.

Thank you.