CARERS TRUST President, HRH The Princess Royal, met unpaid carers from Action for Children at the Short Breaks Conference on Thursday 3 October.
Action for Children, along with othercaring organisations and unpaid carers, attended the conference at the Glamorgan County Cricket Club in Cardiff, organised by Carers Trust Wales. The conference highlighted the impact of the Short Breaks Scheme, which provides an opportunity for unpaid carers to have a short break away from their caring role.
Sandra White, Operational Director for Action for Children in Wales said: “We were awarded funding from the Short Breaks Scheme to offer young carers we support in Anglesey, Gwynedd, RCT and Pembrokeshire the chance to take a short break from their caring roles.
“We welcomed the opportunity to meet HRH The Princess Royal and highlight the importance of this scheme and how it provides a lifeline to many carers in Wales.
Jack Roberts from Anglesey, who had a short break from their caring role thanks to the scheme, said: “The short break I had was really good and I felt refreshed afterwards. This is a really good thing for young carers like me.
“It was lovely to meet the Princess Royal. She was really interested in what I do as a young carer and was very kind. I hope this helps raise awareness of what young carers do as it can be hard and lonely. I receive good support from Action for Children and the short breaks definitely help too. I want as many young carers as possible to get the help and support they need.”
Jack’s mum, Katie Roberts, also a wellbeing practitioner for Action for Children’s Gwynedd Young Carers service added: “I’m really proud of Jack. His support to me in caring for his brother is invaluable and unstinting.
“To be granted a private audience with the Princess Royal is a wonderful honour and underlines how much he is appreciated and valued for the responsibilities he takes on at such a young age. I sincerely hope meeting the Princess Royal shines a bright light on the work all young carers do.’
Kate Cubbage, Director Carers Trust Wales, says, “Unpaid carers play a vital role supporting family members, friends and neighbours. Our fragile health and social care system is reliant on the often selfless contribution of carers.
“I am delighted that our President, HRH The Princess Royal, met and spoke with many of the organisations delivering the Short Breaks Scheme, a scheme that is essential to sustaining carers in the crucial role they play in communities across Wales.
“Carers who have benefited from a short break also had the opportunity to meet with Her Royal Highness to share the difference taking a short break had made to them and those they care for.”
Kate continued: “There are over 310,000 unpaid carers in Wales. Their commitment is often unseen and undervalued. We welcomed the opportunity for HRH The Princess Royal to hear how the Short Breaks Scheme has made a bold start in helping to transform their lives.”
Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “It was an honour to speak at the Carers Trust Short Breaks conference and hear from unpaid carers who have benefitted from our Short Breaks scheme.
“We highly value the vital role that unpaid carers play in our communities. Our £9m investment reflects our commitment to have additional opportunities for unpaid carers across Wales to take a break from their caring roles to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing.”
The Short Breaks Scheme is funded by Welsh Government and coordinated by Carers Trust Wales. It aims to supports 30,000 unpaid carers of all ages in Wales to take a break from their caring role, through overnight breaks, group activities and small grants by 2025. Action for Childrenis one of 27 caring organisations helping to deliver the scheme in 2024/25.
Carers Trust Wales launched a website (www.shortbreaksscheme.wales) this year to help unpaid carers find a break in their area.
