They're doing amazing work - now is your chance to thank Hartlepool's 2,000 incredible young carers

Figures show an estimated 2,000 young carers are spending their time during the pandemic caring for others but only 400 are officially recognised for the work they do.

And this is work which is being carried out by children as young as five.

Studies also show many young carers struggle to juggle their education and caring which can cause pressure and stress.

Christine Fewster, chief executive of Hartlepool Carers, said: “In a national survey, 39% said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role, and 26% have been bullied at school because of their caring role.

“One in 20 miss school because of their caring role but young people can learn lots of useful skills by being a young carer.”

She said the work of young carers was something ‘that we need to celebrate in Hartlepool’.

Now comes your chance to show your appreciation for these amazing young people.

The Hartlepool Pride in our Carers Awards has been launched and organisers want to recognise the people who are doing unbelievable work during the lockdown.

It comes as it is believed Hartlepool has more than 12,000 people who are caring for others and it could have risen higher during the lockdown.

Everyone from adult carers to youngsters aged from five to 18 can be nominated for honours in an awards which has seven categories and is being run by the Hartlepool Carers Group.

It has been launched as the UK gets ready to mark Carers Week from June 8 and here is how you can nominate carers in a whole range of categories.

THE CATEGORIES

l Adult Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Port Homes);

Nominate the family member, friend, or neighbour you know who goes out of their way to help and support others and who makes a difference in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Young Adult Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Hartlepower)

Nominate the family member, friend, or neighbour you know who goes out of their way to help and support others and who makes a difference in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Young Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Hartlepool Roundtable)

Nominate the Young Carer (aged 5-18 years) you know who goes out of their way to help and support others and who makes a difference in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Parent Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by 1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future Parent Led Forum)

Nominate a Parent Carer who you know who goes out of their way to help and support their child with additional needs or disabilities. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l The Extra Mile Award (Sponsored by Mayfield Insurance Brokers)

Nominate an individual who has demonstrated the most carer friendly approach in their working role and who has made a difference by going the extra mile. This category is for paid staff only.

l Special Recognition Award 2020 (Sponsored by Hartlepool Borough Council)

Nominate a family member, friend or neighbour who deserves a special recognition for the support they provide throughout the year, which has led to significant changes in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Hartlepool Family Award 2020 (In memory of Ruby Marshall MBE)

A new category this year, nominate a whole family who have come together to provide love and support to ensure families remain connected in Hartlepool. This category is for unpaid carers only.

All winners in all categories will receive a certificate to thank them for their dedication and hard work alongside some amazing prizes!

HOW TO ENTER

This year is slightly different and due to social distancing measures, we can accept nomination via:

l Email [email protected], subject field ‘Nomination’

l Post to Hartlepool Carers, 19a Lowthian Road, Hartlepool TS24 8BH (Please remember there could be delays due to the current covid-19 outbreak)

l If you do not have access to email, call (01429) 283095 between 9-5pm (Mon-Thur) and 9-3pm Fridays.

It is important you provide:

- Your name and contact details

- The person you are nominating, address and contact details

- The category you are nominating for and

- The reason why you believe they should win the award (up to 250 words)

ALL entries must be received by June 5 2020.

Please do not attach any further information or pictures as these will not be considered during judging.

All entries will be shortlisted and then judged by an independent panel of carers and professionals. The decisions of the judging panel are final.

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