Young Carers Inspire with their Honesty and Courage

12th November 2012

Young carers and their families came together last week for an emotionally-charged event presented by Sheffield Young Carers Project (SYCP) Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Charity of the Year.

The event took place at The Centre in the Park and featured heartfelt stories from young carers and their families, alongside two new songs written and performed by the young people. Attendees also received an exclusive sneak preview of an inspiring short film developed by young carers. The film provides a unique insight into the lives of the young people who care for a loved one with a long term illness, a disability, mental health or substance misuse problems. BBC research in 2010 highlighted that around one in 12 children and young people in the UK provide mid-to-high levels of care for a loved one. Sheffield City Council estimates there are at least 2,000 young carers under the age of 16 caring in the city, which is why the work of Sheffield Young Carers Project is so vital. The Young Carers' Showcase, which incorporated Sheffield Young Carers' AGM, was opened by Sheffield Heeley MP Meg Munn, patron of the charity. Attended by over 70 people including project members and their families, supporters, funders and education and health professionals, the stars of the show were undoubtedly the 19 committed and brave young carers (and two parents of young carers) who shared their experiences through drama, artwork, stories and presentations. Meg Munn MP said, -It was inspiring to meet some of the young people who are supported by Sheffield Young Carers. There is still too little understanding about the lives of young carers and many face problems at school. Their stories are compelling and making these available in a film should ensure that schools are more understanding and provide more support. Laura Selby, Development Worker at Sheffield Young Carers Project, said, -We really weren't sure how we would top last year's event, but our young carers and their parents stole the show again. They demonstrated exactly what it's like to be a young carer or to be looked after by a young carer and how courageous and amazing they really are. Many members of the audience were moved to tears by the frank, honest stories they heard. -There really is no substitute for hearing young carers' stories first hand it's so important that people understand the tremendous pressure they are under. Caring for a family member can have a huge impact on a young person's education, their social and physical development, and their emotional health and wellbeing. And yet, despite all that, the young carers at our event managed to combat their nerves and moved everybody they met. They're such incredible young people. Young carers often grapple with responsibilities normally associated with adulthood: managing the family budget, doing the shopping, washing and dressing a loved one, administering medication or being there emotionally for someone who may have no other source of support or company. Sheffield Young Carers Project (SYCP) offers support, understanding and respite for young carers, some of whom are as young as eight years old. They provide group activities and learning experiences, one to one support and residential breaks. The chance to simply socialise with others in the same situation provides a lifeline to this group of young people, who are often isolated, marginalised and misunderstood by peers and others in their lives. The showcase event included presentations on two key projects: the Family Project and the VOYCE project (Views of Young Carers Explained). Five new trustees were welcomed to the organisation and the hard work and commitment of all staff and volunteers was acknowledged.