WARRINGTON Borough Council and its partners are recognising the important role of young carers this week to mark Young Carers Action Day.
Taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) the national day is organised by the Carers Trust to help raise awareness of the support needed for children and young people that are affected by caring responsibilities.
A young carer is someone aged under 18 who has caring responsibilities for a family member – this is usually a parent or sibling who may require additional support due to a disability, illness or mental health issue.
Young carers often take on responsibilities beyond those expected of other children and this can impact their learning, friendships, health and wellbeing. For example:
• 23% of young carers say their caring role has stopped them making or maintaining friendships
• 1 in 3 children with caring responsibilities say their caring role makes them feel stressed
To help young carers take a moment away from their caring responsibilities, Warrington Carers Hub can be accessed by carers of all ages and also has a service specifically to support young carers with taking breaks.
Today (Tuesday) , they are hosting a special event in partnership with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and Warrington Youth Zone to celebrate Young Carers Action Day, under this year’s theme of “Give me a break.”
Young Carers can drop into the event at Warrington Youth Zone, Dallam Lane, WA2 7NG, today from 4pm – 7pm and take part in fun activities like craft making, and enjoy a range of tasty treats.
Warrington Carers Hub also hosts a regular drop-in at the same time each week at Warrington Youth Zone for young carers who are unable to make this week’s session.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured above), the council’s cabinet member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “The Warrington Carers Hub is a fantastic resource for carers of all ages in the town. Their support for young carers means children and young people can spend time away from their caring responsibilities, while interacting with other children who are going through similar things to them, helping them to develop a friendly and supportive network.”
Cllr Jean Flaherty (pictured below), cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is important we support young carers with breaks through services like Warrington Carers Hub, so that they feel relaxed and able to focus on the other things that are important to them like sports, socialising and their education.”
Cllr Jean Flaherty
