Published: 31 August 2005
Young Carers Take a Break
Young carers from across Wales have been taking time out of their busy lives looking after members of their family to have fun and take a break.
Welsh Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons was at the Young Carers' Festival in Builth Wells last week, where he praised young carers for their hard work.
The two-day event was organised by Powys Carers Service and supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Dr Gibbons praised the efforts of the estimated 11,000 young carers under the age of 17 in Wales, saying:
"Young carers work extremely hard in supporting members of their family.
They can be caring for someone with a chronic illness, a physical or sensory impairment or mental health problems. Some young people are caring for more than one person.
Around a quarter of young carers have their own problems to cope with. These can range from not reaching their full potential at school to feelings of isolation.
They should not be expected to carry out inappropriate levels of caring because this can have a negative impact on their personal development.
While many young people continue to play a caring role they need help and support. Local authorities should have systems in place to identify those who are vulnerable or in need and then should give them any extra support.
In April this year, the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 came into force, which requires councils to inform carers of their right to an assessment of their particular needs as a carer.
It also says that councils must work closer with other organisations to ensure carers are given the support they need.
Our Children First programme also says councils must make sure young carers are given the same opportunities to benefit from education, health care and social care.
The Welsh Assembly Government supports local young carers groups across Wales, which can provide practical and moral support and show them where they can get more help.
Young carers also face difficulties at school. To help overcome this, we have given schools a training pack to raise awareness of the issue facing them. This will help teachers understand the issue these pupils have to deal with and then make sure they are given extra support.
Through events like the Young Carers' Festival we will gain a greater understanding of the difficulties they face.
Every carer faces different issues but if they are given the right help and support, both the young carer and their families will benefit.
We are keen to see the health, social, education and voluntary sector working closer together to make sure we achieve this."
Further information
/Powys Carers Service
Children First programme
DH website
Carers UK website
Youth information.com website
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