Hartlepool United and our Community Sports Foundation have been partnered with Hartlepool Carers since 2018, when we first became aware of the incredible work they do to support young carers in Hartlepool. There are currently over 600 registered young carers in Hartlepool but this is only the tip of the iceberg.
In the run up to Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday, Nicky Featherstone visited a drop-in session with some young carers to find out more about their roles and how Hartlepool Carers supports them. This year’s theme is “Give Me a Break”.
Roxanne Boagey, who is a key support to the young carers in town told Nicky: “Young Carer Champions from the group have been invited to London this March to promote Young Carers in Parliament which is very exciting, not only to represent Young Carers nationally but to put Hartlepool on the map positively”.
The Club have invited young carers Saturday’s game against Solihull Moors to act as player escorts and further promote the fantastic work these young people do.
A young carer is someone aged under 18 who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
Young carers often do a lot of helpful things, such as:
• Cook and prepare meals
• Help with the shopping
• Clean around the house
• Manage medicines or money
• Give personal care
• Help their special person move and get out of the house
• Look after their siblings
• Give emotional support
• Keep an eye on things generally
If young carer families start to struggle financially, young carers also often take on work in addition to their caring responsibilities.
Being a young carer can make young people feel good about themselves and proud of the useful skills they learn. However, many young carers don’t see themselves as carers and miss out on getting the help and support they often so desperately need and deserve.
Young carers take on caring responsibilities not just occasionally but as part of their everyday lives, often over a long period of time, meaning they also often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play, learn and be young.
Many struggle educationally with being able to focus on school whilst overwhelmed by other worries or can be bullied for being ‘different’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, with one in three young carers saying that caring makes them feel stressed.
If you’re a young carer who is struggling, remember it’s perfectly okay to ask for support when you need it.
Hartlepool Carers are there to support young carers with advice and guidance, respite and fun activities, the opportunity to meet other young carers who understand their role and have a break away from their responsibilities. For more information visit www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk.
