Emma Betts
As part of Young Carers Action Day 2021, SYC put out a call to hear from those who had cared for loved ones as children or young people. Here’s some of the responses:
Emma Betts
“I’m Emma Betts. I’m a former young carer.
Now I do lots of things: I run my own jewellery business, I’m the Chair of Sheffield Young Carers, I’m a mum to Daisy and I enjoy a busy life!
The thing that helped me most when I was a young carer was having belief in myself and wanting my mum - who I cared for - to be proud of me.”
Sam Pilkington
“I’m Sam Pilkington. I’m a former young carer.
I am now a Clinical Commissioning Manager in the NHS. I’m also a very proud mum of 3 amazing children, a wife and a registered adult nurse.
From the age of 10, I was the main carer (and best friend) to my Mum. I continued to care for Mum for 25 years.
Back in the 1990's there was very little support (if any) available for young carers and their families. I had a very small friendship group and although my friends were very supportive, they never truly understood the importance of my 'role'.
My Dad was registered blind and also required daily support, together we looked after each other.”
Sam Pilkington
Helen Bolt
“I’m Helen Bolt. I’m a former young carer.
Now, I’m very proud to co-ordinate the Family Project team at Sheffield Young Carers. We provide holistic support to help reduce the impact of caring on young people within families. Alongside securing practical support to help the whole family, I also help the cared for person in the family explore opportunities that improve their emotional wellbeing and increase confidence, discovering hope for the future.
I was a young carer in the 1980's when little support was available.
Helen Bolt
My Mum had cancer and was very unwell for a number of years, and my father worker abroad on a regular basis. The responsibility I felt in needing to look after my family was difficult to cope with at times.
Being a young carer can feel very lonely, having the chance to receive support, some respite and meet other young carers would have made the more challenging parts of my life so much easier to cope with.
The thing that helped me most when I was a young carer? I had a wonderful art teacher at school who cared enough to ask me how things were at home, and listened when I needed to talk. Mr Trott, thank you :)
I wish Sheffield Young Carers had existed then. and I am exceptionally proud to work for them now.”