Young carers usually don’t choose to become carers, and often don’t even consider themselves as such. Instead, they see themselves simply responding to family circumstances and doing what they can to support someone they love and care about. Often, as a result, their social, emotional and educational development can be affected by their role.
But, The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove is there to help. The charity provides support and activities, enabling young carers to have a break, make friends with others who share the same experiences, address anxieties, build confidence, and simply have some fun.
Youngsters like Lily, who is nine years old and cares for a parent with extremely limited mobility and severe mental health problems.
She’s been attending the Centre for a year and a half and has benefited enormously from the support they’ve provided. Here, Lily can take part in activities she otherwise wouldn’t be able to. She’s free to run around, blow off steam, and channel her love of music and the arts – something other children may find more routine or take for granted.
Global’s Make Some Noise is proud to be supporting the brilliant work of The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove, and will be funding a programme to help develop, increase and reinforce resilience and coping skills for young carers, just like Lily.
Find out more about the charity’s work here.