Lunchtime Meeting - 12.45pm - Speaker British Red Cross Young Carers

Emma Croall from the Shropshire branch of the British Red Cross Young Carers project came to give a talk to Oswestry Rotary Club about the work which is undertaken with young people locally.  

The Red Cross motto: "Refusing to ignore people in crisis" applies to anyone in need; so who are these young carers and why do they need help? These are the criteria: Supporting someone at home who has a serious illness, a disability, a mental health problem, alcoholism or drug addiction. Regularly helping out at home by cooking, cleaning, shopping or looking after the emotional well-being of family members. Also, crucially, these children are aged from 5-19 years of age!

There are estimated to be AT LEAST 900 young carers in Shropshire, and there will be some in every school; the Red Cross works closely with schools to raise their awareness, because many of these are hidden due to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.  Often young carers struggle at school due to all they have to do before coming in the mornings and when they get home.  School work often suffers and they may be late for school often also having to take days off when the situation at home is particularly difficult.  If the school is aware, the young carer receives understanding and support instead of being told off and marginalised.

As well as raising awareness in schools, the Red Cross runs activity groups to give young carers a much-needed break - they may have a trip out, or simply play games, watch films etc - in short, get the chance to be a child for a couple of hours.

The Red Cross is constantly lobbying local authorities, councils and the government for funds to help support young carers - every school and every council now has to have a designated person whose role is to take the lead when a young carer is concerned.  Money is always needed to provide support and offer these children - because that is what they are - the chance to forget their responsibilities for a few hours and have fun.

2 representatives from The Marches Academy who are Interactors (junior Rotarians), Chloe Jones and Autumn Cass, were present to listen to Emma and to present a cheque for £200 to benefit the Shropshire Young Carers project.  Emma was very grateful and pleased to receive it and promised that it will benefit local children.

The last word goes to local young carer Abi who summed up the support they receive: "I love being part of the Young Carers group; it makes you feel as if you are not the only one".

Jayne Middleton