11/06/10
An piece of legislation which would give carers more of a say in how policy which affects them is arrived at has been welcomed by Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales Joyce Watson. The legislation would require each local authority to have a strategy which offers free information to carers on their rights and what support is available to them.
A person is defined as a carer if they spend a significant amount of time looking after a relative or neighbour. Many of the carers in Wales are under the age of 18, some become carers from as young as eight years old, and the care they provide to their relatives is thought to save the NHS millions of pounds each year. Authorities will now be required to consult carers on what services and help should be provided so as to offer support ranging from arrangements from respite care to financial advice.
Speaking in the National Assembly for Wales debating chamber when the legislation was being discussed, Ms Watson said,
‘The quality of life for those cared for is dramatically increased as a result of the devotion and relentless commitment of carers.
Young carers experience a significantly different childhood to other children. While their schoolmates spend time after school socialising, relaxing or completing homework, young carers look after relatives who may need physical or emotional support. It is important that young carers know where to turn when they need a helping hand or some advice.’
Ms Watson claimed that being a carer forces a person to mature early:
‘Talking about a relative’s illness or disability can be difficult for a child or young person, and classmates might not react in a supportive or understanding manner. In turn, this can lead to young carers feeling left out and frustrated at school at a time when having friends and socialising is important to personal development. Supporting a young person by allowing them to speak to someone who understands the situation or how they might be feeling means a great deal to a child who does not have this opportunity at school.
An important part of the lives of young carers is respite care. When you are young, it is a time to spend as much time as possible with friends and to enjoy yourself. Young carers are forced to grow up very quickly, and having fun and the stage of childhood can fall by the wayside as the duty to look after relatives takes precedence.’
