9. 8. Short Debate: Enriching Lives of Carers: Caring for those that Care

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:28 pm on 1 March 2017.

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Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour 6:28, 1 March 2017

Thank you very much for bringing this extremely important debate forward here today. I’m going to focus my minute on young carers, those under 18 years of age, who, according to the 2011 census—it identified over 11,500 young carers in Wales offering ongoing care and emotional support to their family members. Young carers often experience isolation, bullying, and they struggle educationally, and they can miss out on those opportunities that other children enjoy when it comes to play and learning. They’re often too frightened to ask for help, as they’re worried about letting their family down, and, consequently, being taken into care. That is why it’s so imperative that all schools, health professionals and other organisations that do come into contact with young carers are appropriately trained to identify and engage with them to ensure that their needs are met. The young carers online toolkit that was commissioned by the Welsh Government does help tackle that very issue, but organisations like Action for Children are critically important in supporting those carers. They have nine young carers projects in Wales, they offer a range of services, and work with schools. They have outings for young carers, advocacy, and there are several in Pembrokeshire, and there is one in Ceredigion in my area.