Move to the beat for Carers week!

5th June 2015

8-14 June is Carers Week and local charity Sheffield Young Carers Project is making sure that it goes with a bang.

Working in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Carers Centre and local schools Handsworth Grange, Athelstan Primary and Mundella Primary, Sheffield Young Carers Project which supports young carers between the ages of 8 and 25 is involved in a whole host of events for carers young and old. From an exciting dance and drumming workshop to a ground-breaking event supported by GPs at Handsworth Grange School, there is something for everyone this Carers Week! Carers Week (www.carersweek.org) is a national campaign which aims to: raise awareness of caring; highlight the challenges carers face; and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. With an estimated 6,000 young carers in Sheffield, it's the perfect opportunity for Sheffield Young Carers Project to highlight their vital work and help local communities understand the many issues that young carers face. Young carers like Ben . Ben is 13. He cares for his dad who suffers from non-epileptic disorder, anxiety and depression. His dad spends most of the time in bed and Ben alerts his mum to his dad's fits. He also supports his younger brother who is autistic. When Ben joined the Project he was tired all the time and struggling with the school day. He was finding it hard to make friends at school and lacked in confidence. With support from Sheffield Young Carers Project, Ben has grown in confidence, made friends and taken part in lots of fun activities, including swimming, craft activities and football. His teachers are now aware of his caring and life at school is much easier. If you would like to show your support for carers of all ages, including young carers like Ben, simply head down to Hallam Square at 5pm on Tuesday 9 June and 'Move to the Beat for Carers Week'. It's your chance to shake off your troubles, have some fun and help to make Sheffield a carer-friendly city! For details of all Sheffield Young Carers Project's other events, visit www.sheffieldyoungcarers.org.uk/carers-week-2015 And if you are a young carer, or you know a young carer in need of support, please contact Sheffield Young Carers Project on 0114 258 4595 or visit www.sheffieldyoungcarers.org.uk