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
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→
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→
#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.
