Young carers enjoy day out at the football

Young carers enjoyed the big match atmosphere when they were treated to tickets for the West Midlands derby between Wolves and Coventry on Saturday (16 March, 2024).

Three young carers were each joined by their parent after the City of Wolverhampton Council's Carer Support Team secured six tickets for the FA Cup clash at Molineux.

Names were drawn out of the hat, and the young carers were delighted with their day out. Father Stuart Day, who attended with his son Jack, said: “We both had a great time. Jack loved having the opportunity to go and experience a football match and the atmosphere for the first time.”

Saturday’s trip to Molineux followed Young Carers Action Day last Wednesday (13 March, 2024). It focused on building a more equal future for young carers and removing barriers that many of their peers do not face, with the Carer Support Team organising a series of pop-up events in local schools across the city and at The Way Youth Zone.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "The Carers Trust report that there are at least two young carers in each class in school.

"In the 2021 census 900 young people in Wolverhampton considered themselves to be a young carer, but we know there are very likely to be more young people who are in a caring role.

“We want them to come forward and make themselves known to the Carer Support Team so we can give them the help they need in their caring role, and also offer them the chance to enjoy social activities with other young carers such as the trip to Molineux on Saturday."

The Carer Support Team has been helping families in Wolverhampton for over 20 years, providing practical information, advice and guidance, Carer's Assessments, benefits advice, emotional support, training and more.

Help and guidance for young carers aged between five and 18 is now provided by the team following the launch of the city's all-age carer support service last year. To find out more, call 01902 553409, email wolverhamptonyoungcarers@wolverhampton.gov.uk or visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/carers.