I am so lucky to work for the wonderful charity that is York Carers Centre! As a young carer support worker I work with young people from 5-18 who care for a family member, who due to illness, disability, a physical or mental health problem or addiction, cannot cope without their support. 

Young Carers are incredibly resilient, empathetic and inspiring young people who are often navigating really tough situations and experiences that can make them feel alone, scared and utterly exhausted. Although being a young carer can allow young people to feel purposeful, with the opportunity to build strong family relationships and develop their emotional intelligence, it can have a profound and long lasting affect on their education, mental health and friendships. 

At York Carers Centre, in the Young Carers Team (some of us pictured above) we work alongside young carers through 1:1 work, peer support and school work, as well as trips and activities to help lessen some of these impacts and develop their aspirations and ambitions. We also provide family work and have a CBT therapist, which means young carers can benefit from more intensive mental health support faster. 

However, we are a charity and like everyone else we are really feeling the affects of the current climate; the demand right now for the service is starting to outweigh our resources. I really want to raise money so we can continue to reach as many young carers as possible and engage them within positive experiences. 

I therefore have decided to train and run the Yorkshire Marathon  for the young carers we support and will go on to support at York Carers Centre. I know times are difficult but even a pound or so will be highly appreciated. 

Thank you! X

To note - I was originally running the Leeds Half Marathon but due to injury I had to pull out. After physio I am much better and have signed up for The Yorkshire Marathon!! However, Just Giving will not let me change the event on this page, so just ignore it!