Young Carers Action Day

Free workshop and and film screening/talk
Hands and hearts

  • University of Plymouth

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Young Carers Action Day is an annual nationwide event organised by the Carers Trust aimed at raising awareness of the importance of young carers across the country. The 2025 theme is 'Give Me A Break', focusing on the importance of rest and respite for young carers.
Young carers are people under 18 that look after family members because of illness, disability or addiction. With so much responsibility on their shoulders, they have little time for themselves. They need time out from caring to rest, recharge and focus on themselves – a hobby, studying, or simply spending time with friends. Help give young carers a break.
A free workshop and film screening/talk – open to all – will be held at the University of Plymouth to mark the day.
Please contact carly.ellicott-1@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk for any queries about this event.
#YoungCarersActionDay
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Programme

Professional Development Workshop: Missed Opportunities for Change – Why a Holistic Approach to Supporting Young Carers Matters

10:00–12:15 or 14:15–16:30, venue: Room 409, Babbage Building

This event is designed for all professionals, helping to raise knowledge and awareness of how to identify and support young carers. You'll have the opportunity to attend an informative workshop, participate in interactive sessions and connect with like-minded individuals.
The workshop aims to provide a first-hand account of the complexity of the experience of young carers and the missed opportunities for family support. Sharing a case study of two young carers that spans over 20 years, you'll hear from young carers’ perspectives of what they needed from services at pivotal points in their caring experience. Focusing on the required support by education, third sector, social care and health care services, the workshop will allow you to collaborate and discuss practical ways that you could impact young carers with similar experiences, using a holistic approach to support.
The workshop will also explore themes of bereavement and grief, caring for siblings and parents, and the importance of transitions for young carers and young adult carers.
The workshop is hosted by Sarah Jones and Shoshana Jones.

Film Screening and Lunchtime Talk: LUKi & the Lights

13:00–14:00, venue: Jill Craigie Cinema, Roland Levinsky Building

Sascha and Anjo had to explain ALS/MND (Motor Neurone Disease) to their young kids when dad (age 35) was diagnosed with a form of ALS/MND – in a way that was accessible, fun and thoughtful. So, they created LUKi!
LUKi is a robot full of life and lights. He has friends and loves to play soccer, until one day he gets ALS/MND. His friends help care for him and support him every step of the way.
LUKi & the Lights is a silent film – using no language, only sound, to tell the story of LUKi and ALS/MND. That way, children and families around the world can easily watch it. Using the latest in visual technology, the film serves as a platform for children and families to discuss ALS/MND and share with others.
Special guest Professor Melinda Kavanaugh from the University of Wisconsin, USA, will share her insight and experience in the development of this important film and her work with Global Neuro YCare.
Presentations will follow from the University of Plymouth's Psychology postgraduate students to consider topics of social identity, and Improving Lives Plymouth, Young Adult Carers Service.

Roundtable Discussion: LUKi & the Lights

Times and venue will be advised on booking

In addition, in the afternoon, Melinda Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW and Global Neuro YCare will host a special roundtable discussion that will use the film LUKi & the Lights to explore existing programmes, research and services for young carers across illness, injury and disease, across culture, location and resources.
The discussion will focus on developing ideas and opportunities for sharing throughout global organisations.
Limited places are available for this event so please email carly.ellicott-1@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk if you're interested in attending.
 

Event photography and video

Please be aware that some of the University of Plymouth's public events (both online and offline) may be attended by University staff, photographers and videographers, for capturing content to be used in University online and offline marketing and promotional materials, for example webpages, brochures or leaflets. If you, or a member of your group, do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please let a member of staff know.