Blackpool's young carers lend their voices to action day podcast

The podcast was recorded at Blackpool Carers Centre on Newton Drive on Monday night in anticipation of national Young Carers Action Day, which takes place on Tuesday.

Fay Atherton, head of services at Blackpool Carers centre, said: "The podcast was themed around the skills that young carers develop through their experiences of providing care to a loved one, and how these skills can set them apart from their peers when applying for employment and further and higher education.

"In particular we spoke about them being able to deal with complex situations, having good communication skills and empathy, being able to multi task and manage their time well. This is also alongside practical skills such as running a home, cooking, shopping and budgeting. It was a really good session!"

The podcast will be broadcast on Anchor.FM on Young Carers Action Day, and will also be published on the carers centre's social media platforms and website.

It forms part of YCAD's theme for 2021, which is highlighting the skills they have developed through being a carer - like resilience, time-management and empathy - and exploring how these things may benefit them later in life.

Faye said: "With support, young carers can thrive and continue to be rightly proud of their caring roles. Any one of us can become a carer at any time in our lives. It is vital for carers of all ages to be able to take a break, have support and advice to help them to navigate what can be a challenging and daunting role.

"Blackpool Carers exists to make a better life for all carers in Blackpool by providing respite activities, one to one emotional support, family support, benefit advice, counselling services and access to small emergency grants.