This Young Carers Action Day 2024 we want to remind young carers and their families about the support we and other organisations provide. You are not alone!

As Young Carers Action Day approaches (Wednesday 13th March 2024) we are continuing our work supporting young carers in Hertfordshire. Our focus is to provide information and assistance to help them maintain their wellbeing and ease their caring responsibilities, where we can.

This year’s theme ‘Fair Futures for Young Carers’ aims to create a more equitable future by addressing the barriers young carers face. These barriers include poorer mental health compared to their peers without caring responsibilities and feeling they need to choose jobs or college or university courses close to the person they look after.

At Carers in Hertfordshire, we offer information and advice, learning opportunities and fun and engaging workshops to support carers of all ages. Our goal is to reduce isolation, enhance knowledge, build resilience, and help carers overcome the unique challenges they encounter in their caregiving roles. Whether you’re under 19 and benefit from our Young Carers Service or an adult over 18 and part of our adult service, we’re here to assist you.

For adult carers aged 18 and over, we have upcoming courses covering topics like resilience, assertiveness and mindfulness that can help you towards a brighter future. Details can be found at www.carersinherts.org.uk/events

In February 2024, 117 young carers attended our Young Carers’ Conference, and took part in a workshop of their choice that included drama, art, upcycling and music. The theme was ‘Do You Know My Name?’, which was chosen by our Young Carers’ Council. Professionals from health, education, and social care also attended and heard from young carers about the importance of recognising them as individuals, finding out about their situation and tailoring support, rather than making assumptions or treating everyone the same.

Gemma Roake, our Young Carers Service Manager, said: “Young Carers Action Day puts the spotlight on young carers, the challenges they face and the support they need. It is also a chance for organisations such as ours to remind young carers that we are there for them and that we work to champion young carers voices all year round.”

Almost 2,800 young carers are currently registered with us as they provide unpaid help to a relative or someone close to them who has a physical or mental illness, disability, addiction or are elderly. However, there are many more hidden carers – potentially up to about 23,000 aged five to 18 in Hertfordshire based on survey data. We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be a young carer to get in touch, so they receive information to help them and the support they are entitled to.

You can help us make a positive difference to the lives of adult and child carers by volunteering or supporting us through fundraising.

Carers Trust, which co-ordinates Young Carers Action Day is urging people to write to their MP calling for them to raise issues relating to young carers in Parliament and secure better support and understanding.

To learn more about how we can support young carers, please visit www.carersinherts.org.uk/young-carers or call us 01992 58 69 69.

Other useful organisations

Just Talk Herts
Provides mental health support and information to keeping well for young people in Hertfordshire aged 8 to 24. www.justtalkherts.org

Young Minds
The UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. www.youngminds.org.uk

Sandbox
An online NHS funded advice and guidance service to support children and young people aged 10 to 25 in Hertfordshire with their mental health and wellbeing.
https://sandbox.mindler.co.uk/