Young Carers Awareness Day: Raising awareness of young people who care for others

As part of Young Carers Awareness Day tomorrow, Graham Burt, chief executive officer of Sunderland Carers’ Centre, is inviting everyone to take part in the Young Carers Challenge.

TV personality Denise Robertson went along to the Southwick centre to launch the challenge.

Graham said: “The Young Carers Challenge is a quick five-minute quiz to test your knowledge, with young carers themselves telling you whether your answers are right or wrong.”

Young carers are children and young people aged between five and 25 who help to look after someone in the family at home, because they are disabled, have a long-term illness, a mental health illness or a problem with alcohol or drugs.

Denise, who is patron of Sunderland Carers’ Centre, said: “Being a young carer can have a tremendous impact on a young person’s life.

“Please take a few minutes to complete the Young Carers Challenge – whether you are a young person, parent, school, professional or a member of the public – your help really can make a difference.

“Share it with your friends, family and colleagues too. The more people aware of young carers the better.”

Councillor Pat Smith, the city’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “Many young carers are unrecognised and therefore don’t receive appropriate support to help them and their families.

“By taking part in the Young Carers Challenge you will gain a better understanding about young carers and together we will ensure more young carers are recognised and supported in the future.”

At the moment, 600 young carers are supported by Sunderland Carers’ Centre, which offers a confidential information, advice and support service to carers of all ages in Sunderland, including young carers.

People have until the end of the month to take part in the Young Carers Challenge. Yisit www.sunderlandcarers.co.uk/youngcarers.