Young Carers Action Day 2021

Young Carers Action Day is an annual event which has taken place for the last six years and is organised by Carers Trust. This year it takes place on Tuesday 16 March.

The day helps raise awareness of young carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities. It also encourages people to take action and get involved in spreading the word about the role of young carers and the support available to them.

You can find out more information about how to get involved in the national campaign on the Carers Trust website.

What’s happening on the day?

• On YCAD Devon Young Carers will be hosting a Q&A drop in throughout the day. Professionals can pop in and ask questions about young carers. The aim is to raise awareness of how we can all support young carers within our roles. Email Liz at Devon Carers for the Microsoft Teams link.
• We will be creating the opportunity for some senior managers to meet with some young carers. They will be supported to share their experiences, what is working well and what more can be done to make the lives of young carers in Devon even better.

The Carers Trust also have a page where young carers’ stories will be shared called ‘My Young Carers Action Day 2021’.

How do we help support Young Carers in Devon?

Devon County Council commission Devon Carers to assess and support the needs of young carers aged up to 18 years old in Devon.

Devon Young Carers provide assessments and support for young carers in Devon delivered by locality teams. The service work closely with Devon schools and can provide information and advice to other professionals.

You can find more information on the Young Carers webpage.

Further advice for young carers and details of support is available here, as well as additional information aimed to support professionals.

Help spread the word

If you know a child or young person who has caring responsibilities please do encourage them to refer to the service to see if they can be offered an assessment and support.

Young people or their parents/ carers can make referrals to the service themselves or give permission for a professional to make a referral for them.

Exeter Chiefs rugby player Ollie Devoto is also lending his support as an ambassador for Devon Young Carers. Ollie has a lot of exciting projects lined up with Devon Young Carers in the coming weeks and months, including a very exclusive Charity Auction to be launched on Sunday 28 March.