In November, one of our young carers who is also an Ambassador for the project, Freya was proud to take part in the launch event for the report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Freya contributed written evidence, and really enjoyed the chance to meet other young people in a similar position to her, as it was something she had never experienced before.
As part of the grand launch, Freya went on a tour of the Palace of Westminster and had photos taken outside Downing Street after some of the young carers present delivered an open letter to 10 Downing Street which has attracted more than 1,200 signatures. The day ended with a cream tea in the House of Lords, where there were speeches from and opportunities to chat with several MPs, David Johnston (the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing), Helen Hayes (shadow Minister for Education) and Sir Ed Davey (leader of the Liberal Democrats).
From this report, the Carers Trust and APPG are hoping that a Young Carers Covenant can be established, to protect the legal rights of young carers and ensure that they get better access to support. Currently, young carers miss an average of 27 school days a year and go an average of 3 years before being identified. This includes the 3,000 children aged 5-9 who spend at least 50 hours a week caring for ill or disabled family members. This report highlighted the postcode lottery surrounding support for young carers and is aiming to improve that.
Freya has just been offered a place at Oxford University and is about to undertake her Mountain Leadership Course!
