To celebrate Young Carer’s Action Day (16.03.22), Dudley Young Carers hosted a fantastic event last night to showcase to young carers and their family members from across Dudley, how the team and other local organisations can support them.
Made possible with a generous donation from Carers Trust, the evening enabled us to celebrate young adult and young carers and the brilliant job these young people do in their own homes caring for their loved ones.
The event – to bring people together with others in their community who may be feeling lonely or stressed as a result of their caring role – came as survey results published by Carers Trust revealed how an alarming lack of support, coupled with a dramatic rise in time spent caring, is leaving thousands of young carers across the UK feeling isolated. You can read more about the findings from Carers Trust here.
The evening was jam packed with information and entertainment. Young carers (aged 5 -18) and young adult carers (aged 18 – 25) were able to get involved in an art project, facilitated by local artist Gareth Dukes, plus join in team games with Sports Zone Coaching.
The local Rapid Relief Team braved the weather and provided a BBQ for everyone, and the rain did not put the youngsters off enjoying ice creams provided by West Midlands Ice Cream!
Adults had the opportunity to chat to a representative from Dudley’s Autism Outreach Service and were encouraged to join the newly formed Dudley Young Carers Parents Support Group, where parents/family members of young carers will be able to meet to develop friendships and promote emotional wellbeing, whilst seeking advice and support on a range of topics.
The evenings high point came as everyone gathered around a huge celebratory cake, to hear Chris Christie, CEO of Crossroads and Graham Evans, Project Lead at Dudley Carers Wellbeing Service, speak about how the integrated wellbeing service can provide them with access to support and services, tailored to their individual needs to enable them to live their own lives healthily.
Graham Evans said: ‘The findings from Carers Trust highlight to us that too many young carers and young adult carers, who take on the huge responsibility of caring for a loved one, are still struggling to access the services they need. On Young Carers Action Day, it has been amazing to see so many people come together to join us for this event – helping us to promote the support available to them from our teams. And what a fantastic step towards combating isolation and loneliness of young carers in Dudley!”
Sarah Whiting, mother of young carer Olivia, who helps care for her 17-year-old sister Phoebe, who has a learning disability said, “We’ve enjoyed this evening, the whole family is here. Olivia usually comes to the youth club, which she enjoys. It gives her a break, as caring can be so draining. It’s so important that young carers and parents get the information and support they need.”
Young Carer Erin, 15, said, “I usually come to the youth club and the staff are so understanding and supportive. I like coming here. There is space for me to do homework and revise in a quiet area too.”
The Dudley Young Carers and Young Adult Carers teams provide free, confidential one-to-one support with a dedicated worker, education and general wellbeing support, youth clubs, activities in the school holidays and much more, to help young carers and young adult carers from Dudley, access the support they need and to take a break from their caring role.
The Dudley Young Carers and Dudley Young Adult Carers teams form part of the Dudley Carers Wellbeing Service at Crossroads, who provide a wellbeing service for carers of all ages throughout the Dudley borough, on behalf of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. To find out more about Dudley Carers Wellbeing Service or make a referral call 01384 886 429 or visit.
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