Published: Thursday, 17th March 2022
On Wednesday 16 March 2022 the borough council supported Young Carers Action Day. A national annual campaign run by the Carers Trust, this year’s theme is ‘Taking action on isolation.'
Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Harry Humphrey, met and thanked a group of West Norfolk Young Carers at the Alive Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn, which was lit in their colours of pink, blue and green.
The Mayor said: “I am very pleased to support this Young Carers’ Action Day. West Norfolk Young Carers is one of my charities of my year, as I recognise the important and essential role that young carers fulfil, providing care to their own family or friends or in their local community.
“West Norfolk Young Carers give support by arranging respite care for young carers. They sometimes meet as a group for an evening, go on day outings or for a week away so that they know their value and dedication is recognised and that they are not alone. I thank them and all young carers for what they do.”
Cllr Sam Sandell, Cabinet member for People and Communities, added: “Young carers don’t always realise that they are a young carer, if a child or young person is helping with medication, cooking, cleaning, or helping to dress a family member then they are a young carer.
“It is vital that young carers are supported to look after their own health and wellbeing. Caring impacts on all aspects of a young carers life, relationships, health, school and many carers may feel lonely or isolated as it is not something that is widely talked about. I’m pleased that we can raise awareness of our West Norfolk group by lighting up the Alive Corn Exchange.”
The Alive Corn Exchange lit up in the colours of West Norfolk Carers
Jackie Haverson, Young Carers Leader at West Norfolk Young Carers, said: “West Norfolk Carers has supported over 7,000 young carers since our service began, and currently we are supporting over 200 active cases. Young carers frequently miss out on the usual childhood activities because they are busy caring for someone in the family who needs help and support, and all too frequently their education is negatively affected. Our role is to help the young carer and their family overcome as many of these challenges as we can by reducing inappropriate caring, and offering meaningful activities, breaks and support, all aimed at helping the young carers claim back some of their childhood. We are very pleased and grateful the Mayor has recognised our charity this year and is working with us to raise awareness about the needs of young carers.”
Support and advice for young carers, their families and professionals is available from youngcarersmatternorfolk.org.