Today is Young Carers Action Day. Let's all take time to find out a little bit more about the difference these wonderful young people to people make during their everyday lives.
Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) is an annual event, organised by Carers Trust with other carer organisations taking part across the UK, with the theme decided by a steering group of young carers. The event, now six years old, was formerly Young Carers Awareness Day, but has shifted to become more active, and expands the age range of carers involved up to 24.
Being a young carer can be tough. You have extra chores, worries and responsibilities – and can struggle to keep up at school, often missing out on a social life, and feeling isolated and stressed.
However, caring can also have a positive side, with young carers developing especially deep bonds with the person they care for, and great pride in the support they give. The caring role can also lead to them developing new skills, and a maturity, that can help them as they move on to further education and the workplace.
This year’s theme – skills learned
This year’s theme is ‘Protect Young Carers’ Futures’, highlighting the skills learned through being a Young Carer, like time-management, resilience and empathy.
These skills are important not only for young people moving into higher education, but also for entering the workplace – they are highly valued by employers.
Tuesday 16th March is Young Carers Action Day - this year focusing on the skills young people can develop through caring, how they can share these skills, and how we can ALL help them reach their full potential.
Find out more information using this link https://carers.org/