Library Young Carers Champions

In May 2024, 50 Manchester Libraries staff became Young Carers Champions

Young Carers are children and young people who have caring responsibilities for a loved one. Young carers have a lot to be proud of, they develop lots of skills that are valuable both now and in their futures.  Sadly, lots of young carers in our city are hidden, this is can be for a whole host of reasons, they might be afraid of what would happen if they told someone about their caring role, or not know they are a young carer – caring is just something they do!

It is important that young carers in our city, know that they are not alone, that there are lots of young carers just like them and lots of people who are on hand to help them.  Being a young carer can be very rewarding, but it is important that young carers have the support they need, people to talk too and time to spend time with friends, developing interests and having fun too!

Libraries are valuable spaces for all our young people, but for young carers they can offer a quite space, be a place to catch up on homework, a private space to research topics they are unsure of, where they can access the internet, chat with others or escape with a good book! They are also community hubs with a wealth of information, so it makes perfect sense that our library staff learn to become Young Carer Champions! So in May, 50 libraries staff attended training with Kelly Hockaday, Young Carers Operational Lead at Manchester City Council.   Feedback included “inspirational” and “informative” , and everyone will be taking the learning into their work in libraries and day to day life.

These posters below will also be displayed in every library highlighting who to speak to if the young carers need further support or signposting.