Posted on: 13 March 2023
The West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is taking part in Young Carers Action Day on 15 March. With young carers providing invaluable support to their families, this year's Young Carer's Action Day theme: Make Time for Young Carers is something the Partnership is urging the community to support.
As results from the 2011 Census emerge, national data suggests that the proportion of young carers' time spent selflessly providing a significant amount of care is increasing.
Whilst the challenges of being a young person and caring for loved ones can have an impact on education, health, and wellbeing, the cost of living crisis is adding additional strain with many young carers living in areas which report lower income levels (Census ,2021).
Many young carers report feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. The Partnership's Unpaid Carers Programme recognises this and works with young carer services, health services, schools and education providers, as well as with community organisations to raise awareness of young carers and ensure they can access essential support.
Karen Jackson, Chief Executive at Locala Health and Wellbeing and joint Senior Responsible Officer for the Unpaid Carers Programme, said: "We know that young carers in our communities are dedicating more time to caring for loved ones and are delivering remarkable support. It is a priority for us to help our young carers both to deliver for their loved ones and to be able to flourish as individuals with support."
There are lots of ways people can support young carers. They often report that people listening to them and noticing that they have caring responsibilities can make a big difference to their wellbeing - even a 10 minute chat can have an impact. There are "quick win" guides on structuring these conversations with carers available on the West Yorkshire Partnership website.
You can also show your support by taking part in a social media "thunderclap" by posting and tweeting on 15 March at 9am, 12noon, 3pm 60m and 9pm using the hashtag #WestYorkshireSupportsYoungCarers.
You could watch and share the young carer films on You Tube where local young carers share their experiences of how caring has impacted on their lives. There are also films produced with and featuring young carers from the region, who share in their own words how adults can support them and how caring impacts on their lives. These are available on the Partnership website: Young Carers :: West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership (wypartnership.co.uk)
The Unpaid Carers programme has coproduced a series of resources to help young carers look after their own wellbeing, including a free Young Carers Support App available to download for free and a Let's Cook eBook filled with recipes from local caring families. These are all available on the Partnership website.
"As young adult carers ourselves, it's important to us that people recognise the service young carers provide to the system and the things we do, whether big or small. As this year's theme is about making time for young carers, we are co-producing packs that focus on learning what young carers do, what effects it has on them and who they care for, and how professionals can properly help them.
We are creating a 5, 10 and 30 minute pack, so that whatever amount of time you make for young carers, we have something perfect for you. We and other young carers have also made videos on the topics for those who prefer them. Thank you in advance for supporting YCAD 2023."