We are inviting young adult carers with an interest in campaigning to take part in an exciting new project empowering them to influence change in their area.

This October half term we are organising a two night residential (Wednesday 30th October – Friday 1st November) for 50 carers aged 15-20 — marking the beginning of the Time to be Heard project, which aims to address the barriers young adult carers face in education and employment in their local community.

The residential is the first event to be held as part of Time to be Heard (which runs over the course of 3 years) and will provide a range of exciting activities developing young adult carers campaigning and creativity skills.

What’s involved?

• Over two days, young adult carers will take part in a programme of events providing them with opportunities to build confidence, campaigning skills and encourage creativity. These include:

• STAR Campaign Training: provided by Ed Moss and Young Advisors, learn the skills and confidence to create change in your community.

• Drama: run by the group Unique Voice, collaborate to produce a play about being a carer and return to film the performance in November. It will be screened across the UK so decision makers listen to the voice of young carers.

• Photography: with the award winning Anthony David King.  Learn how express yourself via the perfect photograph. The images will be used at exhibitions and events.
• A range of outdoor adventure activities and a Halloween Disco.

The residential is being held at the Downe Scout Activity Centre in Kent. It will be a great opportunity for young adult carers and their projects to come together and feed into how the campaign will grow.

These activities provide a chance for carers to meet with other young people from across the UK facing the same issues as themselves. You can find out mote information by downloading the information pack.

About Time to be Heard

The important role that young adults play in caring for family members is often misunderstood — by schools, colleges and universities, by employers and by those in Government. Time to be Heard aims to address these issues.

Funded by our charity of the year partner, The Co-operative. the Time to be Heard campaign is helping young adult carers to develop their campaigning talents so they can influence decision makers.

Over the next three years Carers Trust will be offering, opportunities, events, advice and support so that young adult carers can advocate for change in their area.

Anna Morris, Senior Policy Manager for Young Carers & Young Adult Carers at Carers Trust said:

“Our residential is a fantastic opportunity for young adult carers to learn skills to express their opinions and learn how to campaign for the support they need.

“We know that carer’s views and concerns often go unheard. Taking part in these workshops, young adult carers from across Britain will be empowered to make their voice heard in their local area.”

Get involved

To get involved download our information pack, which contains instructions on how to register interest.

If you have a question or would like to hear more about Time to be Heard, please email Sophie Parr in the Policy and Campaigns Team at sparr@carers.org or call on 07771 872 774.