A SPOTLIGHT has been shone on the district's young carers.

A host of activities was staged to mark Young Carers Action Day.

Part of a national initiative organised by the Carers Trust, the aim is to showcase and celebrate the young people's efforts – as well the challenges faced and support needed.

Several events were held across the district by the Carers' Resource charity.

A 'treasure hunt' saw young carers challenged to find their way to a central location, using public transport.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Travel tickets and refreshments were provided and a takeaway restaurant offered a meal to participants.

A grant was given by the Carers Trust.

Other events locally included a pizza night.

Helen Prince, head of young carers and families at Carers’ Resource, says: "Young Carers Action Day was a great opportunity to draw attention to young carers, celebrate all that they do and raise awareness about how the adults around them can make changes to support them.

"With around three young carers in every school class, it’s really important to raise awareness."

Gabby Hands, 18, is a young adult carer in the Keighley area.

She cares for both her dad, who has a long-term illness, and older brother, who has autism and ADHD.

Gabby says: "I make meals for my dad. I also do chores around the house, and ensure my brother and dad take their medicines.

"When I was younger I found it hard to balance my caring responsibilities with my studies and trying to see friends. But as I’ve got older, I have been able to balance everything better.

"I find that if my dad has to go into hospital that can be really difficult, as my brain may be elsewhere. He went into hospital when I was trying to focus on my GCSEs. It can be very difficult to stay focused."

She added: "The support I’ve received from Carers’ Resource has been really good. It makes you refocus on yourself and reminds you that you’re important as well."

Data from the 2021 census, recently published by the Office for National Statistics, shows that there are 1,280 young carers between the ages of five and 17 in the Bradford local authority area. The figure for Craven is 115.

Carers’ Resource provides a range of support to young carers living in the Bradford, Harrogate, Selby and Craven districts.

For more details, visit carersresource.org or call 0808 5015 939.