It's Young Carers Awareness Day - a national day of recognition for the 700,000 (1) young carers in the UK who provide care and support to family and friends.

We've teamed up with financial hardship charity Turn 2 Us, to highlight the ways FTCT grants can support young carers in their daily life.

Who is a young carer? (2)

Young carers are usually defined as children and young people who provide unpaid care to a family member – such as a parent, grandparent or sibling - who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances. They may do this with other family members although many will be the sole carer doing all or most of the work unsupported.

Key statistics about young carers (3)

• 13,000 of the UK’s young carers care for over 50 hours a week
• Following a survey in 2010, the BBC estimated that there are 700,000 young carers in the UK
• Young adult carers aged between 16 and 18 years are twice as likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
• In total there are 290,369 carers in the UK who are aged 16–24.

What help does FTCT give young carers?

Grants can support young carers (under 18 years), whose parent has a connection to the fashion and textile industry, in a number of ways. Whether to pay for essential items, like clothing, bedding and white goods or something more specific, like respite activities.

Jada and Maya's Story

Jada* is 15 years old and is a young carer for her mother Maya*, who bravely tackles mental health problems, as a result of the emotional, mental and sexual abuse she suffered for most of her life. For Jada being a young carer means providing lots of emotional support to her mum Maya, as well as completing tasks around the house.

Encouraged by her mum, Jada found a love of the performing arts, using them as an important alternative outlet from her responsibilities at home.

Maya heard about FTCT through another charity and applied for a grant, towards fees for a drama course, for Jada. Maya used to work at Sainsbury's, which made her eligible to apply.

FTCT awarded a grant to cover a four-year course, while Jada finished her studies at secondary school.

“The grant has given Jada and I precious quality time together", Maya told FTCT, "without my mind having to worry about money. She has gained so much confidence on the course - she has now enrolled on a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts at college!"

Grants start at £250 and there is just one simple application form to fill in. This can either be completed by the young carer's parent/guardian or a support worker.

To start applying, call Dora in confidence on 0300 123 9002 or fill out the online enquiry form.

Please note: It is important that you have evidence of your trade connection before we can start work on your application (P45, P60, letter from employer/accountant, NI letter showing at least one year’s employment). Please ensure you have at least ONE of these documents to hand, and then we can get your enquiry underway!

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Further information about funding can be found on the Turn2us Grants Search.

Photo: Supplied by FTCT and used with permission.

*Personal details have been changed to protect identities.

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References

Header Image. Carers.org

1 and 3. Carers Trust website information on young carers (accessed January 2016)

2. Turn 2 Us