Posted on: Thursday 24 November 2022
More than 200 young carers from across Torfaen have signed up to a new ID card that helps to make them more visible and valued in their communities.
Cerys Powell, 12, cares for her mother who has poor ill health and mobility and helps to prepare meals, do housework and manage her mum’s prescription medication.
Cerys recently signed up for the ID card and has used it to access her local leisure centre.
She said:“This is a great card! It has saved me money on gym membership, and it makes me feel more valued for the care I provide to my mum.”
The Young Carers ID card is a simple way to help professionals including doctors, teachers and pharmacists to recognise young carers and support them appropriately.
The card also grants young carers free access to swimming, gym and fitness classes with Torfaen Leisure Trust, and free entry to Greenmeadow Community Farm.
Young carers are also supported by Torfaen Council’s Young Carers Support Team, which organises social events across the borough.
To mark Carers Rights Day this week, the team took young carers to Hollywood Bowl in Cwmbran for bowling and food.
Carers under the age of ten and their families, had a fun day out at Cwmbran Stadium’s Go Play indoor soft play centre, followed by pizza.
Declan Williams, age 13, who participated in the activities earlier on in the week, said,” I really enjoyed the bowling, it’s something I haven’t done in ages, I enjoyed speaking to other young carers, even though I lost the game to my sister!
“I’ve experienced so much since being supported by the carers service. I’ve done water sports at Llandegfedd Reservoir during the summer holidays, and a Go Kart Project, where I learnt new skills and took part in a track day racing against other young carers.
I’ve also attended a cooking school that helped me develop my confidence in the kitchen, enabling me to prepare meals at home.”
Carers Rights Day is celebrated on November 24 and focuses on raising awareness about carers rights and where carers can get help and support.
Young people who are in a caring role can apply for the Young Carers ID on the Torfaen Council website.
For further help, advice and assistance call 01495 762200 or email Rebecca.elver@torfaen.gov.uk