My Action for Children (beta)

Gwynedd Young Carers

What we do: We work with young people who care for a member of their family – whether it's a parent with a long-term illness, someone who's elderly or suffering from mental ill health, or dealing with the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

Our young people are extraordinary. They often spend long hours caring for relatives when they should be playing with friends, going to school and simply being young.

Our work is about giving young carers both practical and emotional support, to make them feel less alone, and to find ways of making their lives easier and with less responsibility.

Challenges we face: Our young carers aren't going to stop caring. Our challenge is to help them find time to take a break from caring, to be young and to have fun. It's all about getting a balance in their lives, so they can continue to care for their parent or sibling but without feeling unsupported and alone.

And of course it's often about getting to know the adult too, and finding ways to meet their needs more appropriately.

Thank you!