Infobus on June 7th - Young Carers

[Daniel-Carers]

I was lucky that my friends knew about my caring duties and were great to vent to and for some respite when time allowed. I found that by growing my support network the caring role became way more manageable!

[j95]

How can you support someone who is a young carer? If you have ever gotten some support as a young carer, what was it like?

I haven't really, only things like these chats. peer support has been helpful, connecting with other people who get it

[FootyFan26]

I guess as someone who doesn't have experience, lend an ear or a hand, or both. And try to be as understanding as you can be with be with an ear and a hand left.

In all seriousness though, be there to listen and ask them how you can help them if you can at all.

[Daniel-Carers]

@FootyFan26 I think that sums it up perfectly! Sometimes just being there is enough. I guess everyone's caring situation is different and it can change on a daily, weekly or hourly basis, but knowing you have people there is an amazing feeling!

[Sarah-Carers]

It can be difficult sometimes to ask for help or support when you are a young carer. Sometimes the people around us may think we are managing, which stops them from asking us if we need help. I found it very helpful when I did ask others for help and support. For example, if I wasn't able to get an assignment complete by the due date due to my caring role, it was good talking to the teacher about getting a possible extension. 

[Ben-RO]

I think sometimes it might feel difficult for people to open up about their experience as a carer, not everyone else knows what it's like or has been a part of a conversation like this. So just being willing to listen and understand a bit about what it's like can be a huge help  

[Sarah-Carers]

@Ben-RO That's right

If you don't know how to support someone, ask them what is the best way they would like to be supported

[SmileMonkey]

On to the last question for the evening

It's important to take time out as a young carer to look after yourself, what types of things do you do/can you suggest?

[Daniel-Carers]

Well I'm pretty sure you're all going to laugh at me! But I started to get into magic. I found that having a pack of playing cards was really relaxing to have in my hand and over time I started to learn some really cool tricks! It also came in handy to impress all the nurses at the hospital! To this day I continue to have a deck of cards on hand at all times!

[Sarah-Carers]

I learnt to play the guitar. Music for me is my time out, and it also gives me space to express myself in a creative way!