Young Carers Action Day is an annual event, organised by Carers Trust, to raise awareness of young carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities
This year’s theme is ‘Fair Futures for Young Carers’ The day calls for action to ensure young carers have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive as their peers, with the right recognition, support and chances to reach their potential.
A young carer is a child or young person who cares, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is mentally or physically ill, disabled, or misuses drugs or alcohol. Carers Trust is joining young carers in calling for a Young Carer Lead in every school and education setting. This will help young carers get the support they need to balance their schoolwork with the pressures of their caring role.
There are an estimated one million young carers in the UK, including some as young as five. Many take on serious responsibilities as the data from a recent survey by Carers Trust shows:
- Over one in five have to regularly get up at night to help the person they care for
- One in five give first aid
- Almost half are responsible for giving medicine
- A third have to help the person they care for get washed or dressed
These responsibilities often affect their education. Fewer than half of young carers leave secondary school with five GCSEs, and less than half leave primary school with expected standards in reading, writing, and Maths.
With many young carers having to spend 3-4 hours every day on their caring role, the time they have to spend on homework, friendships and hobbies is severely restricted. They need support at school to make sure they can balance their caring role alongside their schoolwork.
To find out more and where you can get support visit https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/being-a-young-carer-your-rights/
