A COUNCIL has pledged to improve support for young carers across its communities.
Flintshire County Council reaffirmed its commitment by signing the Young Carers Covenant, a UK-wide pledge designed to improve the lives and futures of young carers and young adult carers up to the age of 25.
The covenant outlines 10 key outcomes identified by young carers as essential to ensuring they have the same opportunities as their peers.
Councillor Christine Jones, cabinet member for social services and wellbeing, said: "Young carers make an invaluable contribution to their families and communities, often taking on responsibilities far beyond their years.
"Hearing directly from the young carers was a humbling and powerful reminder about the impact that caring responsibilities can have, and why we must ensure that our signing of the Covenant is much more than just a symbolic gesture."
In Flintshire, around 800 identified young carers are currently supported, with some beginning their caring roles as young as four years old.
These children and young adults provide practical, physical, and emotional care to family members living with illness, disability, or mental health challenges.
The decision to sign the covenant was made unanimously by councillors after they heard emotional accounts from three young carers about the realities they face.
The young people spoke about the support they provide to family members and the challenges of balancing their responsibilities with school and everyday life.
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They also highlighted the difference that Flintshire’s young carers service, delivered by NEWCIS Young Carers, has made in their lives.
Councillor Jones said: "Their testimonies highlighted the value of ensuring young carers are identified early and have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
"We are committing to listening to their voices and continuing to work with partners like NEWCIS Young Carers to make sure this happens."
By signing the Covenant, the Council joins other organisations across the UK in a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young carers and young adult carers in areas including health, wellbeing, education and employment.
The Covenant was developed by Carers Trust and the Young Carers Alliance.
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