Carers Trust Norfolk are supporting Young Carers Awareness Day on Thursday 28th January 2016 when they hope to identify hidden young carers in the region. Senior figures working in social care in Norfolk will participate in a debate with young carers to mark the key day.
The national day is in recognition of the 700,000 young carers in the UK who work around the clock providing care and support family and friends. It is estimated there are more than 12, 500 young carers aged 5-25 in the region – as many as two pupils in each class – and identifying them early is vital to provide them with support to safeguard their wellbeing.
The highlight of the day will be a high profile debate hosted by Norfolk Young Carers Forum, run by Carers Trust Norfolk, at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.
Panel members are Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North; Councillor James Joyce, Chairman of Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council; Linda Shepherd, Deputy Dean of Students at UEA; Dr Simon Vavasour from Attleborough GP Practice; and Councillor John Fuller, Leader of South Norfolk Council.
They will be in the firing line from up to 75 young carers and young adult carers from Norfolk, as well as professionals in the social care field.
A Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk spokesperson, said “The debate will highlight the challenges of young carers and the importance of identifying them early.
We want to use Young Carers Awareness Day to raise awareness about the thousands of young carers who miss out on vital services and support they are entitled to. With increased awareness and understanding in the community about young carers, we hope that children and young people with caring responsibilities can be more easily identified and helped, along with their families, to access the right support.”
“We would also like to use this opportunity to engage with local businesses in the hope that they will become involved in sponsoring some of our events and activities or supporting events with staff and volunteers.”
Chloe Smith said: “I’m delighted to take part in this event in recognition of Young Carers Awareness Day, which seeks to highlight the important work that young carers do. I have been a supporter of Norfolk Young Carers Forum for many years and have always been pleased to take part in their events and hear the inspiring stories of hard work and dedication that the young carers show.”
Not sure if you are a young carer or not? Do any of the following apply to you?
- Have a relative, including siblings, who are disabled, ill or injured, meaning that you have to care extra for them?
- Do chores for a relative, such as cleaning, because they are unable to?
- Live with a relative who misuses substances?
- Live with a relative who has issues with their emotional well being?
- Struggle to attend school or college regularly?
- Help look after someone which means that you can’t spend time with your friends or get your homework done?
