NEWS & EVENTS/NEWYDDION

MP PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR YOUNG ADULT CARERS IN POWYS

A Mid Wales MP has pledged his support for an innovative project to address the support needs of young adult carers across Powys.

Roger Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnor, also revealed that he had signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament which calls for a whole-family approach to supporting disabled and seriously ill parents that also takes account of the needs of young carers.

The motion, tabled by the Liberal Democrats, also calls for Government guidance for schools to be strengthened to ensure that more is done for young people who are young carers.

Mr Williams sent a message of support to members of the YACPIES (Young Adult Carers seeking Practical, Intellectual and Emotional Support) project who made a presentation to Powys service managers at Staylittle Outdoor Centre, near Llanidloes on Monday.

Ten young adult carers, aged from 16 to 22, attended three residential weekends at the centre to consider their future and how best services could support them during their transition from children to adults.

The project was set up by Powys Carers Service with funding support from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Powys Social Services.

The young adult carers requested the meeting with Powys service managers to make a presentation to launch an A4 leaflet that they produced and to discuss their needs.

Having identified a need, the young adult carers are hoping that funding can now be found to establish a support group in Powys, which could meet regularly, produce a video, website and newsletter and develop a programme for teaching life skills.

In his message, Mr Williams said: “I strongly believe that young carers should be given the recognition for the vital work that they do caring for their families. They should also be offered greater support, particularly from schools, to help alleviate the strains they face when attempting to balance caring for a relative and their school work.

“Young carers should not be forced to miss school to care for a relative. I also believe that services for children and adults should work more closely together to provide support for entire families with a disabled or seriously ill member so that no child is left to cope with this situation alone.”

Gyles Palmer, director of Powys Carers Service, welcomed Mr Williams’ support for young carers, whom he said faced difficult decisions about their caring obligations when considering further education, work and leaving home. Often no account was taken of these needs when providing health or social care services to the people they cared for.

Powys Carers Service runs young carer projects to give young people under the age of 19 years a support network that understands their needs and problems. The projects offer social breaks and activities, advocacy and an opportunity to offload concerns and to discuss problems and advice on their rights.

For more information about PCS contact Lesley Jones, employment and information worker, on Tel: 01597 823800