Young Carers Service Celebrates National Award Win

Carers in Herts are delighted that their Young Carers Service has been recognised with a national Children and Young People Now Award.

They were announced as the winners of the Young Carers Award at the awards event on Thursday 23rd November 2023 (Carers Rights Day). They beat four other shortlisted organisations and projects to win.

The awards, in their 18th year, were organised by Children and Young People Now, which provide a website and magazine for professionals that work to improve the life chances of children, young people and families in the UK.

Having caring responsibilities can lead to young carers feeling isolated, missing opportunities and poorer health, but they provide information, guidance, and practical support such as activities, to enable young carers to socialise with each other, have a break from caring, develop their skills or knowledge and enhance their wellbeing. They also listen to their challenges and help them share their views and experiences with health and other services that they, or the people they look after, use.

Carole Whittle, the Health and Wellbeing Manager, said: “We are proud of everyone involved with our Young Carers Service, including the young carers who help us design our activities and services, our fantastic staff team who deliver them and our funders – this is your award. It recognises everyone’s commitment and resilience!”

Currently, more than 2,800 young people aged up to 19 in Hertfordshire who provide unpaid care or help to someone close to them who is ill, elderly, disabled or has an addiction is registered with our charity. If you or someone you know is aged 18 or under and has a caring role, contact Carers in Herts to find out about the support they provide young carers and their families. Send an email to young.carers@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.