The council has signed the Young Carers Covenant to mark Young Carers Action Day today, strengthening its commitment to improving support and opportunities for young carers and young adult carers.
There are estimated to be one million young carers in the UK and more than 600,000 young adult carers, many of whom face challenges that impact their health, education and social lives.
In Sandwell, a range of partners offer support to children and young people who care for a family member. Sandwell Young Carers, commissioned by Sandwell Children’s Trust and the council, provide a wide programme of help including individual support and casework, group activities and trips, holiday programmes and clubs, help with school, college or employment, and wellbeing and mental health support.
Young carers can also access help through schools, health services, community groups and national organisations such as Carers Trust and Barnardo’s, which offer further information, advice and online support.
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Jalal Uddin, said:
“Signing the Young Carers Covenant demonstrates our commitment to being a Child Friendly Sandwell, guided by respect, belonging and opportunities. Young carers shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years, and we will keep working with partners – including Sandwell Young Carers, schools, colleges, health professionals and voluntary organisations – to ensure they are respected, feel they belong and have the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Chief Executive of Sandwell Young Carers, Tracey Hawkins said:
“I am proud of Sandwell’s continued commitment for a fair future for young carers in our borough. It’s been almost 40 years since we carried out one of the first, and well referred to, pieces of research into young carers; The Child Carers Report, investigating the number of young carers in Sandwell secondary schools*. As a result, many young carers in Sandwell, throughout the UK, and beyond, continue to be identified and supported.”
The signing of the covenant follows a motion, that was initially proposed by Councillor William Gill and subsequently approved by the council in July last year.
Anyone who thinks they may need support can contact Sandwell Young Carers on 0121 525 8002 or visit https://www.sandwellyc.com/.
Additional information and support for young carers is also available through organisations such as the Carers Trust (https://carers.org/) and Barnardo’s (https://www.barnardos.org.uk/).
