Young Carers Delighted as MP Takes on New Role

18th November 2016

Local charity Sheffield Young Carers is celebrating the news that long-term supporter and MP, Paul Blomfield, has become their new patron.

The MP for Sheffield Central has made an immediate impact, responding to young carers' requests for support around public transport and health services by connecting SYC with organisations who can potentially improve their lives. Sheffield Young Carers is a registered charity offering practical and emotional support to young carers children and young people between the ages of 8 and 25 who care for someone in their family with a long-term physical or mental illness, a disability and/or substance misuse issues. Before taking on the role of patron, Paul Blomfield MP had supported young carers in a number of ways, including: raising awareness of the issues affecting young carers; organising an exciting behind-the-scenes tour of the Houses of Parliament in London; and setting up an exclusive meeting with the members of Sheffield Young Carers' Action Group, as part of his annual 'Big Conversation', which allows Paul to listen to the views of his constituents in Sheffield. Following his appointment, Paul Blomfield MP said: -I'm delighted to have become a patron of this brilliant charity working for truly inspiring young people. The way that young carers balance study or work with caring for parents or other family members is simply extraordinary. I'm delighted to have been asked to be a patron of Sheffield Young Carers and will continue to do all that I can for this impressive group of young people. Sara Gowen, Managing Director of Sheffield Young Carers, said: -We feel very lucky to be welcoming Paul into his new role as our patron. Paul has offered young carers invaluable support over the last few years and we were delighted when he accepted our invitation to formalise that support. -It makes a huge difference when a young person feels that they are really being listened to let alone a young person who is struggling to care for an ill or disabled member of their family.  Paul doesn't just listen he acts on what he hears, and we are greatly looking forward to working together to extend and improve the support available for young carers in Sheffield. The children and young people who will benefit from Paul's support have given him their seal of approval too, with one young carer saying that the MP was 'alright' and that he'd 'like to see [him] as Prime Minister one day'.