Anglesey and Gwynedd young carers celebrate Carers Week

Anglesey and Gwynedd Young Carers have marked Carers Week (11-17 June) with awareness raising sessions and joining a series of carers walks that took place at Criccieth, Caernarfon, and Beaumaris castles on Thursday 14th June.

Carers Week is an opportunity to highlight the role of carers including young and young adult carers aged 5-18 years across North Wales and the UK who work around the clock providing care and support to a family member.

The Action for Children project works to make the child or young person’s caring role a more positive experience by offering emotional support, information and guidance, activities, short breaks, training and consultation opportunities. Emily Williams (9), from Anglesey, helps her family look after her brother who has severe physical and learning disabilities and has done since she was 2 years old.

‘I like to help my mum look after my brother as he can need a lot of help. I keep an eye on him and also help with food and keeping him company as much as I can. ‘I like to go to Action for Children young carer groups as it gives me a break and I meet with children who do the same sort of things I do. I also like the activities and days out, they’re great fun.’

Anglesey and Gwynedd Young Carers service team leader, Maria Bulkeley, said: “There are many children and young people in North Wales like Emily who care for someone at home and go unrecognised.

Doing the awareness sessions at places like Ysbyty Gwynedd and taking part in the carers walks for Carers Week is a perfect opportunity to highlight the support these young people need, caring for family members who may be ill or have a disability.

We want all young carers to be identified early, receive the support they need and be recognised for the unpaid care they provide.’