Youth Mental Health Day on Tuesday, September 7 encourages understanding and discussion of mental health in young people, enabling them to live happy and healthy lives all year round.
Each year, the day aims to get young people, and those who support them, talking about how to improve mental health and for more than 8,000 young people in Cumbria being an unpaid Carer is having an impact on their wellbeing.
Dani Leslie, Eden Carers CEO said: “We currently support around 800 unpaid carers, 170 of which are young carers aged between five and 18 years.
“Caring can bring many positives and rewards. However, supporting others can be mentally and physically exhausting.
“We are one of five independent charitable, geographically based, carers organisations in Cumbria providing free advice and support to unpaid carers.”
The number of young people looking after family members is growing. In the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic (from April 2020), Carers Support Cumbria has identified 113 new Young Carer and completed new assessments for 153.
Carers provide invaluable support and help to their family, friends and loved ones, whether this is for physical or mental health problems. However, the mental health needs of Carers is often neglected, despite many Carers having poor mental health.
Figures release by the Mental Health Foundation highlight looking after a family member with a mental health problem can have a significant impact on carers’ own mental health.
Mental health problems of carers include emotional stress, depressive symptoms and, in some cases, clinical depression – 71% of carers have poor physical or mental health. And 38% of young carers report having a mental health problem, yet only half report receiving additional support from a member of staff at school.
A recent Carers Trust survey revealed high levels of anxiety and stress among young carers. The survey found two thirds (67%) of young carers aged 12 to 17, and 78% of young adult carers aged 18 to 25 were experiencing increased concern for their futures since Coronavirus.
A survey showed, 39% said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role and 26% have been bullied at school because of their caring role. The survey also revealed 1 in 20 Young Carers miss school because of their caring role, however young people can learn lots of useful skills by being a young carer.
Carers Support Cumbria’s Carers organisations across Cumbria provide support to Young Carers. Young Carers are referred to their local organisation who will arrange an initial brief home visit, so they can introduce themselves and explain about the service. They then arrange to meet the Young Carers again in school or college or an alternative suitable place where they can have a chat and complete an assessment.
Sue Whitehead, West Cumbrian Carers CEO said: “We know that caring for someone at home can have a big impact on your own education, health and social life.
“Caring may affect your school work and ability to concentrate. Maybe you find it difficult to find time to study or get to school on time because of the things you need to do as a carer. Or perhaps you feel tired, stressed, or feel bad about yourself.
“Our support workers can help you by providing you with someone to chat to in confidence, and who can give you information and advice as you need it.
We organise trips and activities where you can meet other young carers and have a break away from your caring role.
“We can ensure you are supported in school to help you with your education.”
Mike Seaton, (pictured) Carer Support South Lakes CEO said: “We offer Young Carers the chance to be young people free from their caring responsibilities through activities, social opportunities and clubs, day trips residential holidays and one-to-one support.”
Craig Backhouse, Furness Carers CEO added: “We can provide a wide range of support to our Young Carers aged between 5 -18 years. Please get in touch with your local Carer organisation.”
Support for unpaid Carers in Cumbria can be accessed through these local Carer Support organisations:
- Carers Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
- Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
- Eden Carers Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
- Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
- West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
