Sutton Council has partnered with organisations across the borough to promote Young Carers Awareness Day.

The partnership is part of the Council’s commitment to identifying, valuing and supporting young carers of all ages across the borough.  

Reaching young carers nationally continues to be a challenge, with young carers as young as 8 years old being unaware of the services that are available to them. Unless young carers are identified, they may not be offered the right support and services. Nationwide, it is estimated that there are 6 young carers in every secondary school classroom.

Melanie Walles, Young Carers Service Manager at Sutton Carers Centre said: 

“Identifying young carers at a much earlier age can have a huge positive impact on their overall learning, wellbeing and life chances. All professionals, whether they are working with children or adults have a responsibility to ensure young carers are identified and have the same access to opportunities that all children their age should have.”

Research from the Carers Trust has shown that young carers find it more challenging to enjoy good health and a vibrant social life and often say they feel ‘left out’ in their social life. Young carers who are aged 16-19 are twice as likely to be not in education, employment or training than their peers. By running and highlighting activities for young carers the Council and its partners can help them balance their caring roles and help them improve their social life.

Sophie, a local young carer, aged 12, said: 

“The creative activities give me a chance to do things I wouldn’t normally do and to meet other young people going through similar things as me.  I learn better ways to cope, it’s a privilege for an unfortunate reason”

“It's like a community, people here are like neighbours that I can rely on.

“They are just a phone call away if we need help or support."

There are a number of ways the public can support Young Carers Awareness Day, including; online resources to help you run your own events, Youtube videos you can share, and you can take part on social media by using the hashtags #YoungcarersAwarenessDay #CountMeIn or by tweeting the Sutton Carers Centre at @suttoncarers. 

Sutton Council is promoting the day in Partnership with Sutton Carers Centre, Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group, Southwest London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, Epsom & St Helier Hospital Trust and Sutton Parent Carer. 

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