Young Carers Voice
At Gloucestershire Young Carers, we understand that young people and their families are the experts.
We make sure that these expertise are listen to and young carers stories and experiences are heard, not just by our organisation but others around the county, to help influence and improve the services that support them and their families.
Whether you care for your parents or siblings, not matter how big or small you think your caring role might be, your experiences and voice matters.
What do our participation groups do?
our Young carers voice groups
Your voice matters
GYC has built a solid reputation in the co-production and participation of young carers in service design, training, resource development and campaigning.
We believe all young carers are ‘experts by lived experience’.
We ensure they not only have a voice within our organisation but make sure their stories, opinions and experiences are shared with those that support young carers both locally and nationally.
‘Our Voice’ Forum (11-18)
This a community of young carers who have a common aim of improving support, raising awareness and developing services for young carers both locally and nationally.
The group meets in person once a term with invitation to get involved in additional ad-hoc consultation events participation opportunities throughout the year.
YACtion Forum (16-24)
YACtion is a forum for young adult carers aged 16 – 24. It is a community of young adult carers who have a common aim of improving support, raising awareness and developing services for young carers both locally and nationally.
The group meets both online and in person to work on specific projects developing young adults confidence, skill and sense of agency.
Interviewed staff and help develop new projects in GYC
Consulted by other organisations and helped advise their decision making
Been involved in young carers research projects locally, nationally and internationally
Led presentations at a board level with the Council and NHS
Delivered training to over 500 professionals in the last year
Met with MPs
Consulted with His Majesty’s Chief Inspector about OFSTED
Selected as youth advisors for parliament APPG
Interviewed on the radio and television
Having their story and experiences listened to and acted on.
Developing confidence and skills such as public speaking
Meeting other like-minded young carers who want to help others around the county
The opportunity to speak to professionals and policy makers at a variety of levels, including directors of service and MP’s
Great additions to their CV or university applications
Mosquito Mission
The Mosquito Mission is a group of young carers who develop and deliver training and resources for professionals using their lived experience to inform and develop services.
What have we done?
- Created and delivered lectures to social care and primary teaching students
- Delivered training to social workers, teachers, school nurses, substance misuse agencies and more.
- Helped create resources for professionals including specialised booklets on mental health and substance misuse.
Want a Mosquito Mission presentation for your team? Get in touch with Scott – Youth Participation Lead scott@glosyoungcarers.org.uk
Young Carers National Voice
Young Carers National Voice brings together young carers from different areas of the country to campaign collectively on the issues that are important to them. We meet online six times a year and try to meet in person at least once a year.
What have we achieved in the last few years of collective campaigning?
- Made resources for schools and mental health practitioners
- Written letters to MP’s
- Met with the Head of OFSTED
Who we’ve worked with
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito”
– The Dalai Lama