Norfolk Young Carers Forum (NYCF) have been busy meeting up with council and NHS leaders this summer, as part of their work to raise awareness of young carers and young adult carers and the issues that affect them and their families.
Forum members met Tracey Bleakley, chief executive officer of Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, over lunch, where on the menu was an informal chat about improving identification and support for young carers and young adult carers across Norfolk.
The next meet up was with Phil Beck, head of communities and Paul Webb, strategic lead for youth and participation, Norfolk County Council, who invited the young people to learn more about local government and the Norfolk Carers Charter. They also had a tour of the council chamber at County Hall. The forum used the meet up as an opportunity to share their views on the Carers Charter.
Another highlight of the forum members’ summer was an invite to Norfolk County Council’s summer reception and awareness training with staff from the Inspiration Trust.
Three young carers attended the Council’s reception where they received Flourish certificates on behalf of the forum for the work they have done with the Council to improve the lives of young carers.
Three young carers also helped deliver training to staff from the Inspiration Trust, a multi-academy trust of academies and free schools. They shared their experiences of being a young carer and helped staff understand the ways in which they can identify and support young carers within their education settings.
Hannah, a young carer said, “I had a great summer and got to take part in many opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible without Caring Together.
“Going to Inspiration Trust was a highlight as I could see that people did want to help and make school less difficult for young carers which was nice.”
About Norfolk Young Carers Forum (NYCF)
Norfolk Young Carers Forum (NYCF) gives young carers and young adult carers the opportunity to raise awareness and make a difference about the issues that affect them and their families.
The forum is open to any young carer or young adult carer who lives in the Norfolk area and members can get involved in as much or as little as they want.
For example, there are opportunities to help plan and deliver campaigns on issues that affect young carers and their families, share stories, and experience through media opportunities and take part in special events such as conference and training for adults.
Click here for further information about Norfolk Young Carers Forum or contact the team on [email protected]
