More than 8,000 young people across Cumbria are unpaid carers for loved ones – and Young Carers Action Day today is about addressing isolation.
The theme for this year’s awareness day, organised by the Carer Trust, comes from young carers and young adult carers themselves, who want to address the isolation they experience.
Despite so many people under 18 helping look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misusing drugs or alcohol, they often feel alone.
Across Cumbria, local carer support organisations are working together to help.
CEO of Carer Support South Lakeland, Debi Marsden said: “Being a young carer can affect a young person’s health, social life and self-confidence.
“Many young carers struggle to juggle their education and caring, which can cause pressure and stress.
“We offer young carers the chance to be young people free from their caring responsibilities through activities, social opportunities and clubs, day trips, residential holidays and one-to-one support.
“We have enabled young carers to participate in many activities and social opportunities away from their caring role including trips such as a trip at the Sandcastle Centre, Trampoline Park, Brockhole Visitors Centre, Brathay Outdoor centre and Tower Wood Outdoor Centre.
“We currently run our social group on the last Monday of the month during term time in Kendal. The group is open to all young carers aged eight to 12. The idea is to create a safe and positive space where young carers can meet other young people in similar situations and have fun.
“We also plan regular social events for our older young carers aged 12 to 18.”
Children in Need provided activity packs to Carer Support South Lakes as part of the activities to download from their website for young carers to do at home.
A survey conducted by Carers Support highlighted one in 20 young carers had missed school and, 39 per cent said that nobody in their school was aware they were caring for someone. Over a quarter of the young carers surveyed (26 per cent) said they had been bullied at school because of their caring role.
CEO of West Cumbria Carers, Angela Longrigg said: “We organise trips and activities where you can meet other young carers and have a break away from your caring role. And we can ensure you are supported in school to help you with your education.”
CEO of Carer Support Eden, Dani Leslie said: “Once a young carer gets in touch with us, they can come to the clubs we run. Being a young person is challenging enough, and having a caring responsibility adds to those challenges.
“In Eden alone, we have more than 600 young carers. We offer young carers the chance to be young people free from their caring responsibilities through activities and also one-to-one support.”
CEO of Furness Carers, Craig Backhouse said: “Regular short breaks from caring can be really beneficial, giving Young Carers a better chance of succeeding in all parts of their lives.
“During the school holidays, we organise trips and activities for our young carers.
“We have done quite a lot of work Barrow Raiders Rugby Club and their Community Team (Advantage) who have delivered sessions during school holidays for a couple of years now, starting pre-pandemic. It’s been brilliant linking up with them.
“Past trips have also included bowling, ice skating, climbing, shopping, swimming, theme parks, which give young carers the opportunity to get away from their caring role for a while. And we are here to provide support and advice to help them throughout the year.
“Young Carers Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of what young carers are doing to help and support their loved ones and also to highlight the support there is across Cumbria, for anyone feeling isolated and alone as a young carer. Please get in touch if you are an unpaid carer. Support is here for you.”
You can contact your local carer organisation by emailing or calling their office:
Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
Carer Support Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
