Young Carers across Cumbria are being invited to make a short film on their smartphones to tell their story of life as an unpaid Carer.
More than 8,000 people under 18 years old in Cumbria are providing unpaid Carer for a family member of friend. Many are looking after others and their teachers and friends are unaware of the tasks they have taken on.
Carer Support Cumbria is inviting all young Carers to take out their smartphones and create a short 90 second to 15 minute film about their lives.
CEO of Carer Support Carlisle and Eden, Dr Dani Leslie said: “This is their opportunity to be heard. To tell their story, their way. We will be posting your mini-movies on our social media and websites to highlight what being a young Carer is really like.”
CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, Debi Marsden said: “Our competition provides a platform for young people to tell their stories and be heard in spaces they can’t usually access. We can only imagine what it is like to be at school, trying to keep up with exams and coming home to provide care for a family member seven days a week, 356 days a year. Growing up is challenging and young Carers have the added responsibilities of caring for someone else as well.”
CEO of Carer Support West Cumbria, Sharon Sewell said: “It will be interesting to hear and see what the young Carers say in their own words and in their own way through the videos.”
CEO of Carer Support Furness, Craig Backhouse said: “We hope our young Carers will take the challenge and their mini-films will be featured on our social media and website, to give them a voice.”
Carer Support Cumbria provide a wide range of support to our Young Carers aged between 5 -18 years, which may include one-to-one support to help with their schooling, further education or family support, counselling, finance or transport issues, or group support opportunities.
The competition is open to all young Carers up to 18 years old, and there are three age categories:
- 5-7
- 8-10
- 11-18
The theme of the video is ‘My life’ and can be in three styles:
- For Instagram reels, filmed portrait style and up to 90 seconds
- For Facebook, filmed landscape style and up to 90 second
- For the CSC website, filmed landscape and up to 15 minutes
The closing date for entries is 5pm on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
For more information about the competition and Carer Support services in your area, visit the Carer Support Cumbria website www.carerssupportcumbria.org.uk
