New rights and resources for Pembrokeshire’s young carers
Young carers across Pembrokeshire have created a new website and charter to help others in their position.
The Charter of Rights has been developed by over 30 young carers in Pembrokeshire and includes the right to be happy, the right to have respect and honesty from adults, and the right to play and have fun.
It will also ensure all young carers receive an acceptable level of support and engagement from professionals, services and organisations in the county.
The charter forms part of the Pembrokeshire Young Carers’ new website www.pembsyc.org.uk
Both were created by members of Pembrokeshire Young Carers, which is run by Action for Children -Gweithredu dros Blant.
Ben is 14 and cares for his parents, who have both been very ill. He said: “I hope that the charter helps other children and adults understand about the needs of young carers. I loved helping to make it and can’t believe how cool the charter looks now it’s finished!”
Action for Children-Gweithredu dros Blant’s Director of Children’s Services, Jan Leightley, said: “It’s a privilege to see the incredible achievements of young people and young carers that we support and this event is a fantastic recognition of the effort that’s been put in.
“The Charter created by the young carers is particularly poignant as it allows them to give their own opinion on their rights and how they deserve to be treated.
“They play an instrumental role in their families’ lives by cleaning, cooking, caring for any other children in the household and even administering medications – but most young carers don’t want recognition or reward.
“What this charter shows is that they want time to themselves – to play, be with their friends and have the childhood they deserve.”
Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships at Hywel Dda Health Board, Peter Llewellyn, said: “From the 2011 census figures 3,436 carers were identified as being under 25 across the Hywel Dda Health Board region.
“Many of these provide in excess of 20 hours of unpaid care per week. We are currently working closely with both statutory and third sector organisations in helping to identify and support more Young Carers across the three counties.
“In particular we hope to work closely with local authorities and their respective education departments as well as our own school nursing services and other community health services and hospitals.
“We are particularly happy to support the Pembrokeshire Young Carer Charter and hope to develop similar initiatives in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire”
There are now plans for the Charter being shared through GP surgeries, schools and youth clubs across Pembrokeshire over the coming weeks.
For further information regarding the Charter or Pembrokeshire Young Carers Project please contact Charlotte Phillips Scheme Coordinator charlotte.phillips2@actionforchildren.org.uk
The Charter of Rights has been developed by over 30 young carers in Pembrokeshire and includes the right to be happy, the right to have respect and honesty from adults, and the right to play and have fun.
It will also ensure all young carers receive an acceptable level of support and engagement from professionals, services and organisations in the county.
The charter forms part of the Pembrokeshire Young Carers’ new website www.pembsyc.org.uk
Both were created by members of Pembrokeshire Young Carers, which is run by Action for Children -Gweithredu dros Blant.
Ben is 14 and cares for his parents, who have both been very ill. He said: “I hope that the charter helps other children and adults understand about the needs of young carers. I loved helping to make it and can’t believe how cool the charter looks now it’s finished!”
Action for Children-Gweithredu dros Blant’s Director of Children’s Services, Jan Leightley, said: “It’s a privilege to see the incredible achievements of young people and young carers that we support and this event is a fantastic recognition of the effort that’s been put in.
“The Charter created by the young carers is particularly poignant as it allows them to give their own opinion on their rights and how they deserve to be treated.
“They play an instrumental role in their families’ lives by cleaning, cooking, caring for any other children in the household and even administering medications – but most young carers don’t want recognition or reward.
“What this charter shows is that they want time to themselves – to play, be with their friends and have the childhood they deserve.”
Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships at Hywel Dda Health Board, Peter Llewellyn, said: “From the 2011 census figures 3,436 carers were identified as being under 25 across the Hywel Dda Health Board region.
“Many of these provide in excess of 20 hours of unpaid care per week. We are currently working closely with both statutory and third sector organisations in helping to identify and support more Young Carers across the three counties.
“In particular we hope to work closely with local authorities and their respective education departments as well as our own school nursing services and other community health services and hospitals.
“We are particularly happy to support the Pembrokeshire Young Carer Charter and hope to develop similar initiatives in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire”
There are now plans for the Charter being shared through GP surgeries, schools and youth clubs across Pembrokeshire over the coming weeks.
For further information regarding the Charter or Pembrokeshire Young Carers Project please contact Charlotte Phillips Scheme Coordinator charlotte.phillips2@actionforchildren.org.uk
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