Young carers give MP their big ID-ea

Chloe Shaw and Jody Flynn, met with the Wentworth and Dearne MP and Shadow Health Secretary, John Healey, to discuss a campaign by the Yorkshire and Humber region of the UK Youth Parliament to introduce a nationally recognised 'young carers card'.

The card would give the carers an official piece of documentation they could use with school staff or other professionals to help them explain their particular circumstances and help them get any extra support they might need.

Young carers are those young people who provide continuous support for elderly or disabled relatives. It's estimated that nationally they provide care worth £82 million.

John Healey, the MP for Wentworth and Dearne, said: "Young carers sometimes find it difficult to get to school on time or get their homework done, or they might need to leave school early on occasion or carry a mobile phone to keep in touch with the person they care for.

"Some reports suggest three quarters of young carers are not known to be carers by their school.

"Having a card like this would mean they could let teachers know if they are having problems and need support."

Councillor Paul Lakin, Cabinet Member for Safeguarding and Developing Learning Opportunities for Children, said: "We are supportive of the Youth Parliament and its efforts to introduce this card as we can see the benefits it will bring to young carers.

"A scheme like this which helps professionals to support carers will be a benefit to those they care for as well as the young people themselves."