Young carers in Milton Keynes call for more support and breaks on Young Carers Action Day
Young carers in Milton Keynes will call for UK governments, local authorities and schools to give them a break in a series of activities today (12 March).
They are making the call on Young Carers Action Day, an annual event organised by charity Carers Trust with its network of local carers organisations across the UK. The day aims to raise awareness of the constant pressures faced by young carers – young people who look after family or friends with an illness, disability or addiction.
Activities taking place across Milton Keynes for Young Carers Action Day include:
Attending young carer school groups in some of the schools we work with. We have celebrated the day with cake and incorporated targeted arts and crafts activities that encourage meaningful conversations about taking a break and self-care.
We will be running Youth Clubs for our young carers and integrating a creative activity such as decorating tote bags prompting young carers to reflect on what they can do to have a break. We will be filling the bags with small gifts that encourage activities outside of the youth club helping to extend that support into their everyday lives.
The theme for this year’s Young Carers Action Day is “Give Me a Break”. Young carers have heavy responsibilities, leaving them little time for themselves and putting them at risk of burnout. Statistics show there are over 15,000 young carers caring for 50 hours a week or more in the UK, including 3,000 aged just five to nine. All young carers need breaks to rest, recharge, and enjoy hobbies or socialising, just like their friends.
The “Give Me a Break” theme also highlights the need for support from schools and employers. Young carers miss more than a month of the school year on average because of the pressures of their caring role. By offering understanding and practical support, education professionals and employers can give young carers the break they need to succeed.
To help the estimated more than one million young carers across the UK, Carers Trust and young carers are calling for governments to ensure funding is available for all UK young carers to have access to a break.
MPs, councils and employers are also being urged to sign the Young Carers Covenant – a UK-wide commitment to young carers. It sets out 10 key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives.
