Messages from Young Carers

The Children’s Society Include Project,www.youngcarer.com

The Voices of Young People in our work

Working in partnership with children - looking at the world through their eyes - has always been at the heart of what The Children's Society stands for. Children and young people's participation is embedded in our Vision, Mission and Values.

During consultations at participation

Consulting with Young People

‘Social workers and teachers need more training so they can understand and support us all’

events such as the National Young Carers Festival (involving 1,500 young carers annually) they said that:

"Mum's carer will only cook dinner for mum and also she doesn't know how to cook the things we like to eat, things that we would have eaten in Zimbabwe. I have to cook for me and my brothers and sisters anyway, so I may as well cook for mum too and the carers do something else. But we don't want to say in case she (the carer) is taken away from us and mum wouldn't have anyone to talk to any more."

Key Messages

Sarah’s Story

Over the last 4 years the National Young Carers ‘Voice’ has reached far and wide! The DVD created back in 2007 has sold over 400 copies and has been seen by professionals across the country. They have had an input into the Carers Strategy and been heard by Ministers and professionals.

•New Guidance for Schools

•Guidance in the Carers Equal

Opportunities Act

•Funding to The Children Society

for delivery of National Training

•Input into Recognised, Valued and Supported

next steps for the Carers Strategy.

Examples of the Impact Young Peoples voices can have

Key Messages

“We need our voice heard, not next week or tomorrow BUT NOW!”

“We wouldn’t want to give up caring because we love them too much. If we gave up caring it would change our whole life, but we would like help and people to take notice of us.”

“It’s not just the caring that affects you… What really gets you is the worry of it all.”

“Talk with us

not at us”