As part of Carers Week 2017, SYC nominated two organisations for 'Caring for Carers' Awards, to acknowledge and thank them for the brilliant work they do to help young carers.
The award winners were invited to a ceremony organised by the Carers Centre in the Lord Mayor's Parlour on Thursday 15th June, where they were presented with their awards. The event was also attended by a number of adult carers from across the city who had nominated professionals who had made a special difference to their lives.
It was a very moving event and a great celebration of the huge support and difference that professionals can make for carers through simple steps such as listening to them and taking them into account.
Each person who won an award had their nomination read out. We nominated the following people for their amazing contributions to the lives of young carers:
- Stephen Betts and all the staff at Learn Sheffield for all the work they have done to raise the profile of young carers in schools, including a pilot project with five schools, headteacher and governor training, and even writing a chapter in a book!
“At my school we now have a board up in the assembly hall all about young carers and we are putting up a new board soon. We also have 3 teachers who are really good to talk to about caring and if I worry about who I care for, I can go and speak to them. This really helps me at school.” (young carer aged 10)
- All the staff at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust for the relaxing respite residentials and support they have offered 154 young carers from SYC over the last four years. Here’s what some young carers said about their trips:
“I enjoyed having my own bedroom” (young carer age 9)
“I enjoyed making new friends ...I thought I couldn't” (young carer age 14)
“I have overcome my fear of not making friends ...and overcome my fear of chickens!!” (young carer age 8)
“I sleeped good!” (young carer age 11)
On behalf of the young carers whose lives have and will be improved by everything you've done, we’d like to say a very big thank you!
