Card raises young carers' profile

Project
Young Carer’s Card

Purpose
To support and raise the profile of young carers

Funding
The scheme is part of work by UK Youth Parliament members in Yorkshire and the Humber. The activities of members are funded mainly by their home local authorities. The youth work unit for Yorkshire and the Humber also received £14,400 in 2012/13 from the British Youth Council to co-ordinate participation work in the region

Background
Young carers, who look after a family member at home, have many responsibilities and risk missing out on opportunities enjoyed by their peers. Members of the UK Youth Parliament in Yorkshire and the Humber wanted to do something to improve the welfare of this group and in March 2011 decided to develop a Young Carer’s Card – to help young people access practical support and raise awareness of the issues faced by young carers.

Action
The Young Carer’s Card officially identifies a young person as a young carer, which can help them deal with potentially tricky situations in school. “They can fish it out if a supply teacher doesn’t know about their responsibilities at home and questions them about homework or why they have to leave early,” explains Bill Eve, development officer at the youth work unit for Yorkshire and the Humber. “Having the card in their back pocket gives them confidence. It also brings the issue into the open. We know young people who care for someone at home can feel anxious, embarrassed and isolated. Having it on the agenda can help promote it as something positive.”

The concept of the card is simple and low-cost, but despite that the young people had to campaign hard to get backing for the scheme in the tough economic climate, says Eve. It was crucial to get young carers groups to endorse the scheme and recognise its value. Cards are entirely optional, with young carers choosing to sign up.

Collaboration between young people and youth workers has also been key to the scheme’s success, with youth workers meeting regularly to share experiences. Local authorities and their partners work differently so schemes had to be tailored to fit across the region.

Outcome
Five local authority areas – Kirklees, Calderdale, Hull, Barnsley and York – are piloting the scheme with three more, including Sheffield, set to follow. The goal is for all 15 councils in the region to adopt the scheme in some way.

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