What we do
Many young carers undertake a wide range of domestic tasks and responsibilities as well as having to provide nursing care, personal care and emotional support.
The effect this can have upon the young person’s life often goes unrecognised by professionals and families alike and yet the consequences of missing out on childhood can be very far reaching. Many young carers are disadvantaged in terms of their educational, social and personal development, and few have the time or energy to simply have fun relax and have a break from the caring responsibility.
The situation is made worse by the fact that most young carers feel unable to discuss their problems with friends or other adults, through loyalty and fear of the consequences.
What young carers say about how caring affects them
"I care for my mum who uses a wheelchair. Sometimes I stay off school to look after her and take my brother to school."
"I don’t go out with friends much because it means leaving mum on her own in the house."
"Sometimes I feel lonely, that I am the only one and nobody understands"
"I give my mum her tea and tablets in the morning. I get upset when she is sad and don’t want to leave her."
"Everyone in my class is going away on a trip for the weekend with school. I can’t go because I need to stay with my dad."
Action with Young Carers aims to provide a flexible, responsive, and culturally sensitive service for young carers in Bolton and Liverpool by:
- ensuring young carers have some opportunity to be free of caring responsibilities
- ensuring equality of opportunity for young carers
- raising awareness of young carers’ issues
- providing family based support and advocacy
- acting as a co-ordinator of services where appropriate
- providing information to young carers and their families
- providing social and leisure activities
- providing practical and emotional support
