Boost for Wigan's hard working young carers

The organisation provides peer support groups and residential breaks, training and engagement sessions for those who are most isolated and those with limited social, educational and employment opportunities.

The group places a huge emphasis on the health and mental wellbeing of members. Naturally, Covid-19 has resulted in a massive increase in workload for young carers.

Due to being unable to meet physically, the group leaders and staff have been using Zoom to interact with the young carers and have been giving one-to-one support and guidance. They have also delivered more than 300 age-related wellbeing packs including a journal, mental health information, stress ball, sweets and pens.

Young carers often shoulder far higher amounts of responsibility than other young people, and sometimes are not well understood by their peers. Research shows young carers miss an average of 48 days of school because of their role and 68 per cent have been bullied at some point because of having to care for someone.

Projects like Wigan and Leigh Young Carers bring together people with similar experiences, and build a network for support and simply taking a break.

One member, Alice, has even shaved her head in order to raise awareness for young carers. Mum Victoria said: “We have as a family have benefitted from the services they offer the youngsters within our community. At the moment given the horrific situation we are all in, our young carers are basically working 24/7 in their homes making sure that the ones they love so dearly are cared for properly.

“That means cooking, cleaning, making sure there’s clean clothes and much more. I can’t begin to put it into words how proud I am of her.”

One member, J, said “I’m literally the only one keeping everything together so, I’m having good days and bad days.”

Paul Carroll, project manager, said: “These have been challenging times but with the help of Peoples Health Trust the charity has been able to continue its support of our young people.”

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