A brand-new animation about the lived experiences of young carers has premiered to a theatre audience as a revamped strategy to ensure they receive more support will be rolled-up out across the city.
The short video, created by former Manchester Metropolitan University student Yasmin Lee, was shown to a packed-out audience at HOME theatre which spotlights primary age children who have been identified as young carers through their schools and communities.
A young carer is usually someone under the age of 18, who has the responsibility of providing care for a loved-one who has a disability, illness or mental health condition. However, the definition can take various forms depending on the relationship to the carer and specific caring needs.
The animation aims to help raise awareness of how schools and organisations that work with children and young people can implement new ways of support, breaking down stigma and celebrating their efforts.
The Young Carers Strategy 2024-2028 is a refresh of the previous strategy which outlines an approach that is informed by the voice of Young Carers and is underpinned by a partnership approach.
The strategy emphasises the rights of Children and young people to assessment and support and continues to work with all Manchester schools and settings as well as Youth and Play providers to develop their offer of support for Young Carers.
The strategy advocates for the introduction of Young Carer Champions, which is a member of staff who can help young carers and inform other staff and pupils about what young caring is to stamp out misconceptions and tailor the right support for each pupil.
There are already 187 schools in Manchester that have designated Young Carers Champion.
The Young Carers in Schools Awards has also been created in schools to ensure that social workers, early years practitioners and all organisations that work with children and young people have the tools, resources and skills to support children with caring responsibilities, while also celebrating their hard-work and commitment to their loved-ones.
More information about young carers is available at Young Carers and the animation about the Young Carers Strategy can be watched online.
Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “It is important that children and young people who identify as young carers feel supported and celebrated.
“The updated Young Carers Strategy for Manchester aims to improve the experience of young carers in our city through collaboration with vital services such as schools and early years practitioners.
“It is great to see young carers proudly represented in this new animation which we hope will continue to inspire and educate people about the experience of young carers.”