2021 European Carers Day campaign
Supporting young carers in Europe is not only a matter of human rights, it is a social investment so, let’s make it happen!
Young carers testimonials
I didn’t realise I was a young carer until I was nineteen
My name is Amy and I am fifteen years old. I’m sat on the floor in my room trying to revise for my exams which are next week. Suddenly I hear my mum calling from the bathroom. I wiggle open the old lock on the door and find her sat on the floor feeling a bit unwell and a little upset. I think quickly about what would make me feel better in her situation and...Continue reading→
We keep everything for ourselves until we explode
When I was a teenager I kept myself back in order to let my parents devote their energy to my sister and not to me. That’s why I had sometimes the feeling that I could not fulfill myself and that I had not enough room. Even when her screams would get me mad I did not say anything even when her tears would expel me I remained silent. It is hard to complain about our...Continue reading→
“Just checking – are you involved in the young carers project?”
I started caring for both of my parents from the age of 6 - I became a carer overnight when my mum had an accident but despite countless hospital visits, doctors involved and most people knowing I had 2 disabled parents, I didn't become an identified young carer until I was 14 years old - when my attendance plummeted at school because I just couldn't cope anymore. Trying to balance caring for 2 parents with...Continue reading→
18 Years Ago, Caregiving Forced My Brother To Drop Out Of College. But Today, He Finally Graduates.
This Saturday my older brother will graduate magna cum laude from Volunteer State Community College with his Associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. While every degree is special, this one is particularly significant. Earning this degree was a hard-fought battle, requiring perseverance, inner strength, and tenacity. 18 years ago, my brother made a decision that put his entire life on hold. When our mother was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, she underwent a spinal surgery...Continue reading→
#CarersDay_EU#WeAreCarers_EU
Why a European Carers Day
The idea is to coordinate and foster national efforts to raise awareness of carers’ issues under a pan-European structure. We will therefore be able to capitalise on existing actions and enable/facilitate new initiatives among less-advanced parts of Europe.
About young carers
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide or intend to provide care, assistance, or support to a family member or a friend, who has a chronic illness, disability, frailty or addiction. They assume a level of responsibility which would usually be associated with an adult.
