Young carers can have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and often have little time for themselves. The truth is: they need a break.

From being the main carer to helping out with jobs around the house, the range of caring roles young people take on varies from person to person – but they all need the same thing – time to rest, recharge and focus on themselves.

This Wednesday (12 March) is Young Carers Action Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced by young carers and championing the changes needed so they get the support they deserve.

This year’s theme is “give me a break”, focusing on the importance of rest and respite. Young carers need safe spaces where they can take time out, have fun, and relax, away from their responsibilities. These breaks are essential for their mental health, development, and overall wellbeing.

At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, we provide support and activities to build confidence and give them some time with others in the same position. We also provide them with some amazing deals to help them with life outside of caring.

This half term, we took a group to the home of Newcastle United, St James’ Park, where they had a chance to go onto the pitch. We also went to the Discovery Museum in Newcastle and had a bouncy castle party.

Our young carers can get access to a free ease INTO card for themselves and a friend. There are different programmes for the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays with activities such as trampolining, swimming, cooking classes and sport.

The ease INTO card also gives young carers and another person free access to Contours Leisure Centre, including gym and swimming pool access. They can add local library membership to support learning and a quiet, safe place. For more information click here.

We can also refer people to the Wave Project which helps provide therapeutic support through surfing.

Having a sense of ownership over your future is key. That’s why we encourage young people to have their say in how things are run here, through the monthly Young Carers Forum. They can influence decision making about services for young carers at the Centre and are able to represent young carers views regionally.

How you can help
We can all make a difference to these young people and Young Carers Action Day is a time to reflect on what more we can do. Here are some ideas:

1. Spread the word: Share the message of Young Carers Action Day on social media using the hashtag #YoungCarersActionDay. By raising awareness, we can start a wider conversation about the challenges young carers face.
2. Help them to have a break: If you know a young carer or their family, consider offering a small gesture of support, such as providing a temporary break, arranging for them to join a fun activity, or offering a listening ear.
3. Be the change: Reach out to local MPs or policymakers and encourage them to consider the needs of young carers. Advocate for more accessible respite care and support services that allow young carers the chance to rest and recover.
4. Volunteer and donate: Charities that support young carers play a pivotal role in providing respite, resources, and emotional support. Consider donating to or volunteering with organisations like ours to help ensure young carers receive the help they need.

We are also taking part in a lunch and learn webinar for professionals to provide helpful tips on how to find support for young carers. It will be held on Thursday 13th March from 12.10pm to 12.50pm. If you would like to find out more, get in touch.

Where can young carers get support

If you are a young carer and you would like to know more, get in touch with us – you can find the details on our website.

If you want to know more about services and activities in the area – visit Living Well North Tyneside. The NHS website also has some good advice on looking after yourself.