Workshops for young carers
A far-reaching local wellbeing charity is celebrating Young Carers Action Day 2021 by focusing on the futures of young carers up to the age of 25.
The landmark takes place today (March 16) and PKAVS Carers Hub is hosting a programme of workshops throughout this week in connection with local partners.
The charity’s programme, called ‘Protecting Young Carers’ Futures,’ will give young carers an insight in to what local employers are looking for in their future employees.
It aims to build their confidence in identifying the skills they already have and understanding how they apply to future volunteering, education and employment opportunities.
The PKAVS Young Carers and Young Adult Carers services already support over 500 young carers aged five to 25 but there could be as many as 18,000 in the region who are actively supporting a family member who may have a longterm condition, illness, disability or drug and alcohol dependency.
Manager of the Carer Hub Raymond Jamieson said: “We want to use Young Carers Action Day to raise awareness and increase the support and opportunities available to young carers to look to the future and further develop their already significant bank of skills and qualities.”
Kaiya is one of PKAVS young carers and she said: “I didn’t really consider myself as a young carer.
“I just kind of considered what I was doing was normal.
“Just family looking after family.” For more information about the ‘Protecting Young Carers’ Futures’ programme, call 01738 567076, email carershubadmin@pkavs.org.uk or go to the website at www.pkavscarershub. org.uk/Young-Carers-ActionDay-2021