Young carers initiative raises £33k to inspire next generation

A £33k initiative run by Coventry University and Coventry Carers’ Centre Young Carers and supported by some of the region’s leading charities is aiming to boost young people’s interest in the care profession.

Health and social care taster days have been taking place at the University over the past year and are continuing in the last week of August, and are open to young carers between the ages of 8 and 18 years.

Funded by over twenty charities from around the UK – including the Michael Marsh Charitable Trust based in the West Midlands – the initiative lays on a day of activities at Coventry University for young people to experience careers in health and care.

As part of the interactive taster days – which have so far attracted around 70 young carers – staff in Coventry University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences give an insight into professions such as nursing, paramedic science and occupational therapy, with sessions on first aid skills, infection control and making a 999 call.

Other activities include learning how to scrub up correctly and apply bandages and slings, plus a session with dietetics students at the University to find out all about why good food and nutrition is so important.

The initiative has attracted an impressive £32,930 of donations from charities and trusts around the UK – from London to Perth – and is set to run further taster days on August 27th and 28th and October 28th and 29th.

Nina Godson, senior lecturer in clinical skills at the University, said:

We’re delighted to be working with Coventry Carers’ Centre Young Carers to put on these taster days for young people who have a passion for care or an interest in the health professions, and we hope what we show them will inspire a new generation of people to work in the caring professions. The support from the charities has been fantastic and has been critical in making this happen.

Janice Roden, recruitment officer for the University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said:

One of the key things we want to get across to these young carers is that they have universities such as ours on their doorstep offering what could be a life-changing experience studying a course in this area. This needn’t be a one-off taster day, as they will hopefully be keen enough to come back and study for a career. Many of them might not think that’s an option, but this is all about showing them that these are the opportunities available to them.

Pauline Dye, Coventry Carers’ Centre Chief Executive, said:

We’re very happy with the way this training has developed. The young carers who have participated have found the sessions really insightful. We’re confident the knowledge and skills acquired will help them to cope better with their caring role and open their eyes to future opportunities. We sincerely thank all the charitable trusts who have come on board to make this project a reality. Young carers experience many disadvantages due to their responsibilities, so being able to showcase their skills with a view to pursuing prosperous careers has been really beneficial.

For further information, please contact Mark Farnan, communications assistant, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 8245 or email mark.farnan@coventry.ac.uk.