Notice: Help us Reach these Amazing Young Carers on Action Day March 15

Published on: 3 Mar, 2023
Updated on: 1 Mar, 2023

Action for Carers Surrey is holding a Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday, March 15, and want your help “to reach and celebrate these amazing young people”.

Surrey Young Carers drop-in youth club in January 2023.

A spokesperson said: “Being a young carer looking after someone in their family who is ill or disabled is incredibly tough.

“They often have big responsibilities, extra chores, plus emotional worries and have little time for schoolwork let alone a personal life. And carer families are often poorer families as adults are not always able to work, so finances are tight, meaning there are fewer opportunities.

“Young carers can feel really isolated and misunderstood and can miss out on a lot that other children take for granted.

Young carers boys at the climbing wall at a Surrey Young Carers event in Egham on January 23.

“But our Surrey Young Carers team can help. It offers free information and support, plus workshops, activities and groups to give carers aged five to 17 time out from caring, helping them achieve all they can in life and minimising as much as possible their caring role.

“If you know a young carer, in any capacity, your family, friends, neighbours or through work, please let them know about us. We can make a big difference.

“Young carers and their their families can get in touch by calling us on 0303 040 1234 or texting on 07723 486730 or emailing SYC@actionforcarers.org.uk.

“Marking Young Carers Action Day, we have lots of events taking place for our young carers in Surrey including a fun day, animation workshop, axe throwing event, escape room sessions, plus lots more.”

“We’re joining some of the hospitals and schools we support across Surrey to celebrate and raise awareness of the day with them. We are also taking part in the Making Time for Young Carers event to reach more professionals across Surrey (see below).

“Young and young adult carers repeatedly state that health and wellbeing are really important to them, but all too often their caring role leaves them feeling overwhelmed.

“We’re encouraging all young carers, and their families, to take action. From simple things like having a chat, or putting up a poster, to writing to their MP and local government, telling them about the support they need, specifically: Improved support in education and workplaces. More access to breaks. Better access to mental health support, such as counselling or therapy. More financial support.

“And for anyone in Surrey who works with children and young people (up to 25) there’s a free online seminar, Making Time for Young Carers taking place the day after Young Carers Action Day, Thursday, March 16, 12.30pm to 3pm.

Young carers at an Action for Carers Surrey cricket event in February 2023.

“The event will share national and local perspectives of young carers’ needs, and support in schools and colleges, as well as looking at how best to improve this vulnerable group’s wellbeing and mental health.

“Tickets are free and are can be booked online here.”