What is Young Carers Action Day?
Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) is a time for us to come together and take action for the young people looking after their loved ones.
It raises awareness of their amazing contribution to their families and local communities, and the challenges they face.
Young Carers Action Day takes place every year with a new theme. 2022 is no different, this year we are Taking Action on Isolation.
“Loneliness for a young carer is thinking you are the only one like you and none of your friends will understand. You feel like you’re trapped in a box.”
Becca
Taking action on isolation
Young carers look after their siblings, parents and other family members, they carry out various tasks like cooking, cleaning and helping to give them medicine.
It's a lot to take on at their age and can mean they miss out on the things that most kids do like seeing friends and regularly going to school.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on young carers, with caring hour and responsibilities increasing. Findings from The Carers’ Trust survey for young and young adult carers saw a rise in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Impact on young carers
National research from The Carers' Trust shows an alarming lack of support, coupled with a dramatic rise in time spent caring, is leaving thousands of young carers feeling ‘lonely’, ‘exhausted’, ‘worried’, ‘burned out’ and ‘stressed’.
Decrease in connections
47% of young carers felt less connected to others as a result of the pandemic
Increase in hours caring
More than half (53%) of young carers said they are providing more care
Decrease in wellbeing
A third of respondents said their caring role resulted in them feeling worried, lonely or stressed
Do you know how to help a young carer?
The latest research highlights the huge responsibility carried by young carers
and demonstrates the urgent need for more support from all sides of the community.
The young carers we support, have told us 3 simple actions that you can take this #YCAD2022!
Do you know an adult caring for someone? Check out our 5 top tips to help someone with caring responsibilities.