“It’s a big help” – Young Salford carers welcome new strategy survey

Young carers in Salford have welcomed the chance to have their say on a new strategy to make their lives better.

Salford council wants to hear from unwaged carers across the city to help develop a better strategy for the next five years.

Jasmine Clarke, 19, has been a carer for her mum since she was ten and worked a part-time job alongside that after she turned 16.

Although Jasmine already receives a carer’s allowance, she says the Carer’s Strategy Refresh Survey is a “big help” by giving carers the opportunity to suggest ways to improve their situation.

She added: “Having lived in different places such as Warrington and Wythenshawe, Salford definitely has the best and most positive opportunities for carers.

”I feel at home in Salford and I feel heard. It is much better than anywhere I have lived and it has the most stability for carers.”

The council survey will feed into the Salford all-ages carers strategy.

The council defines a carer as “anyone who cares (unwaged) and looks after a family member, partner, or friend who, due to older age, frailty, illness, disability (physical/mental/learning), or substance misuse (alcohol, drugs) cannot cope without their support.”

Although the survey is aimed at carers, people living in Salford also shared a positive attitude towards the survey.

Our poll showed that 100% of the people who contributed believed the Carer’s Strategy Refresh Survey was a positive move for carers.

Eris Peach, a student at FutureWorks University in Salford, said: “It is important for young carers to be heard. The survey gives young carers especially a chance to be heard and valued so it is a good thing.”

Tristan Nash, 19, an employee at Brighter Futures, Salford, said: “Having worked with young carers and supporting caring families it’s a great idea. It gives carers a fantastic opportunity to bring up issues and gain follow-ups of the opinions that are shared.

“Being a carer myself it also gives me a chance to bring up problems I have witnessed and help get improvements for everyone.”

To participate in the poll follow this link.