Day of action to shine light on Cumbria’s 8,000 young unpaid carers

A day of action is set to shine a light on Cumbria’s 8,000 young unpaid carers.

Young Carers Action Day, an annual event organised by Carers Trust, aims to give young people providing unpaid care for a family member or friend a voice, and this year it’s asking for a fair future for the county’s young carers.

Taking place on Wednesday, the theme of this year’s event is ‘give me a break’ and will help young carers raise awareness of the issues they face.

Carer Support Cumbria, representing the four Carer Support charities across Cumbria, is calling on people to show their support for the day of action.

CEO of Carer Support Carlisle and Eden, Dani Leslie said: “This year’s theme really raises the issue young carers face, the need for them to have time to rest, recharge.

2Research shows how being a young carer can have negative impacts on their school work and employment opportunities.

“This Young Carers Action Day we are calling on schools and employers to provide better support, to help young carers balance their responsibilities and achieve their full potential.

“In Carlisle and Eden we support over 300 young carers. Through our services, we offer support providing clubs, trips and social activities, where they can take a break, and spend time with other young people who have caring roles.

“We are here to provide help getting support from other organisations and to provide a listening ear.

“We also encourage the use of an online service, where Young Carers can talk to someone, get advice for a friend or see what others are saying. It’s called Kooth.com and is free to use on a mobile phone, tablet or desktop.”

South Lakes have arranged a trip to Holgate’s for some of their young carers. Young carer practitioner for Carer Support South Lakes, Katie Busby has prepared care packages for their social club young carers and those they believe would benefit from them.

CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, Debi Marsden said: “ We are currently working with 240 to include young adult carers.

“On Young Carers Action Day, we have organised three awareness-raising events: at Outside In children’s play centre, McDonald’s restaurant in Kendal, and Kendal College.”

Across Cumbria Carer Support organisations are providing support locally for Young Carers.

To find out more about the services and support for young carers locally, contact: