"Give me a break": 11-year-old shares the importance of respite for Young Carers Action Day
On Young Carers Action Day, a national campaign ran by the Carers Trust, we celebrate all young people who care for a family member or loved one, while raising awareness of the support available to them from local authorities and partners.
This year's theme, 'Give me a Break', was selected from a panel of hundreds of young carers across the UK. Their chosen focus aims to tell our wider communities how important it is to give young carers a break from their caring responsibilities, and what a difference specialist support can make.
One of the young people who has recently benefited from being supported by our commissioned provider, Caregivers Connected Gateshead, tells us more about the importance of respite.
Emma's story
Emma (name changed for anonymity) is an 11-year-old young carer who lives with her mum, mum's partner and her older sister. Emma's mum has terminal cancer and Emma helps to care for her every day by providing emotional support, as well as helping with the household chores.
But caring for her mum has recently led to Emma feeling isolated and, as a result, she started notice a deterioration in her relationship with her mum, which meant that they often went without speaking.
Following a referral to Caregivers Connected Gateshead, Emma had a Young Carers Needs Assessment and was introduced to a Young Carers Support Worker.
Together, they created a support plan, and Emma now has access to emotional support, coping mechanisms, wellbeing strategies and peer support groups.
As a result, Emma is feeling less isolated, and she feels her relationship with her mum and family has improved from the support from Caregivers Connected and the break from her caring responsibilities that she needed.
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
"Young carers give so much of their own time and energy to care for family members who need support, and without proper breaks, it can be overwhelming.
"Here in Gateshead, we are committed to supporting our young carers to ensure they get the help they need when caring for an adult in their lives.
"Through our commissioned provider, Caregivers Connected Gateshead, we are able to offer invaluable support to every young carer in Gateshead as well as offering opportunities for young carers to take a break from their caring role."
On Young Carers Action Day, a national campaign ran by the Carers Trust, we celebrate all young people who care for a family member or loved one, while raising awareness of the support available to them from local authorities and partners.
This year's theme, 'Give me a Break', was selected from a panel of hundreds of young carers across the UK. Their chosen focus aims to tell our wider communities how important it is to give young carers a break from their caring responsibilities, and what a difference specialist support can make.
One of the young people who has recently benefited from being supported by our commissioned provider, Caregivers Connected Gateshead, tells us more about the importance of respite.
Emma's story
Emma (name changed for anonymity) is an 11-year-old young carer who lives with her mum, mum's partner and her older sister. Emma's mum has terminal cancer and Emma helps to care for her every day by providing emotional support, as well as helping with the household chores.
But caring for her mum has recently led to Emma feeling isolated and, as a result, she started notice a deterioration in her relationship with her mum, which meant that they often went without speaking.
Following a referral to Caregivers Connected Gateshead, Emma had a Young Carers Needs Assessment and was introduced to a Young Carers Support Worker.
Together, they created a support plan, and Emma now has access to emotional support, coping mechanisms, wellbeing strategies and peer support groups.
As a result, Emma is feeling less isolated, and she feels her relationship with her mum and family has improved from the support from Caregivers Connected and the break from her caring responsibilities that she needed.
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
"Young carers give so much of their own time and energy to care for family members who need support, and without proper breaks, it can be overwhelming.
"Here in Gateshead, we are committed to supporting our young carers to ensure they get the help they need when caring for an adult in their lives.
"Through our commissioned provider, Caregivers Connected Gateshead, we are able to offer invaluable support to every young carer in Gateshead as well as offering opportunities for young carers to take a break from their caring role."
