In focus: Young Adult Carers Group

by | Sep 5, 2017 | Carers' Stories

two you g adult carers sitting on a sofa

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hold Young Adult Carers (YACs) Groups monthly in the evening for carers aged 17 to 25 years.

Run by carer support workers, the groups are split into two sessions. The first half is structured and includes a workshop, a talk, or feedback and consultation opportunities. The second hour allows the carers to relax, chat with each other, or talk to a support worker.

Your stories

Care for the Carers spoke to four young adult carers about their experience of caring and how the group has helped them.

Young adult carer, Sophie, cared for her mum who sadly passed away three years ago, and now cares for her younger brother who has autism. Talking about her caring role, she said: “It can be very difficult and very challenging, but it is part of my everyday life and I’ve just grown around it now.”

Sophie explained why coming to the group is so important. “It’s the support that you get, it makes us feel normal. Maybe it’s the wrong term to use, but it makes us feel normal coming to these clubs and getting this support and knowing that we’re not the only one in this situation,” she said.

Sammie, Sophie’s friend, agrees. She told Care for the Carersthat it’s “great” coming to a place where “you can forget about everything for a couple of hours” and where everyone “is in the same boat.”

Sammie, who has been caring for her mum who has multiple health issues since she was four-years-old, said the group is “like one big family”.

Go Ape, Go Karting, The Gauntlet, horse riding and more…

photo of carer horseridingAs well as the monthly meetings, the young adult carers also take part in range of fun activities, such as going to Go Ape or Go Karting, horseriding and taking on fundraising like The Gauntlet challenge, they also have a closed Facebook group.

Talking about the Facebook group, Sammie said: “We talk on messenger and have a joke and a laugh. It’s nice because when you’re talking in the group it’s like your still here and it takes your mind off of it all for a few seconds while you’re reading a comment or writing a message. It is a lot of fun.”

It’s the monthly meet-ups, however, they say they love the most because it provides a regular break from their caring role and a chance to relax and have fun.

Jordan F, who cares for his mum who has MS, said: “What people don’t understand is, that for us, for people that are caring, [this group] means a hell of a lot, on an emotional level. This break is for us a holiday, two hours, that’s it, but we can’t afford to go to Spain or anything for a decent holiday, so to us this is a holiday – it’s the greatest two hours.”

Another member of group, Jordan D, found out about the group after telling his childhood friend Jordan F about how he is a carer for his Nan.photo of Jordan D and Jordan F

He said: “I’d rather have kept it to myself but I am glad I told him because [the group] has been a massive help. I struggle with it to be honest with you. My Nan she’s very, very ill and she struggles with everything and it’s a massive toll on my life but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s what I have been doing for nearly my whole life, looking after her, checking she’s alright. But this place has definitely helped me out a lot.”

Why not sponsor the YAC team on The Gauntlet challenge?

If you are a young adult carer in East Sussex do get in touch to find out how we can support you.

Are you under 16 or looking for support for young carers?

Please contact East Sussex Young Carers/IMAGO, whichsupports Young Carers aged 5-18 who are responsible for caring for a family member with a long term illness or disability, prioritising Young Carers caring for a parent with a mental health or drug and alcohol issue.Telephone:0300 777 2011 or email:info@eastsussexyoungcarers.org

Walking the 100 Mile South Downs Walk for carers

I figured if the YACs can do it, when they already do so much in their caring roles, then I’ve got no excuse. – Tom, a pupil at Eastbourne’s Ratton School.

Help Tom help young adult carers in 2019

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