This October we held a successful AGM at the West Maldon Community Centre with attendees including the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, and the Mayors of Maldon and Chelmsford amongst other guests. our CEO James shared information on our achievements over the last year including positive outcomes and feedback on our respite and adult care services alongside having 3 Young Carers directly sharing their personal stories, which was very powerful for all those that were there.
One of those amazing young people was Oliver…
“Hello – I’m Oliver and I live with my mum, dad and my older brother, I am a year 6 pupil and I am part of the young carer programme at school because my mum has liver cancer. This means that mum has time away from me and my family when she is in hospital. The treatment makes my mum tired, which affects me and my family; it can stop us doing things all together. Being on the young carer programme makes me feel supported and it lets other children know what I am going through. There are currently 19 children in school (from year 1-6) supported by Action for Family Carers. Lauren comes in every half term and spends time with us in age groups; we often play games or make things. In the summer term 2024 we had a young carer activity every week for 5 weeks where we did emotions, nutrition, first aid, fire safety and a celebration.”
Oliver’s school also shared: “Oliver is credit to his parents and there is a reason why he is our Head Boy. Keep doing what you are doing Oliver!”
The other Young Carers on the day also spoke about the impact the Young Carer programme at school had on them and how it helped them feel more supported and less alone. We were very proud of them sharing their stories in front of so many unfamiliar faces.
A recent major new study from Carers Trust has detailed the severe impact that caring can have on the education of many young carers. The findings are stark. They reveal how caring role pressures mean many Young Carers are having to miss far too many days at school. The survey also reveals a concerning lack of support at school for Young Carers to help them balance the pressures of their caring role with their schoolwork. So our Young Carer support is more important now than ever and we have ambitions to support many more Young Carers in schools and through our clubs across the county.
To find out more about our Young Carers service or if you would like to support our work through fundraising, volunteering or working with our charity then please get in touch.
You can also read the full Carers Trust report here: REPORT: Young carers are missing 23 days of school every year
