Young Carers' Awareness Day: Winners shows his brotherly love
Posted on Thursday 30th January 2020
At the age of just 11, Winners Sessay already knows what it's like to care for others as he plays an important role in looking after his brother Eliott, nine, who has complex needs.
Winners is one of more than 90 children and young people supported by Barnardo's Cymru Newport Young Carers, a service set up to provide them with a break from their caring responsibilities.
Winners helps out mum-of-three Stella with everything from bathing, dressing and feeding Eliott to getting up at night to ensure his brother is safe if he has woken and left his bedroom to go downstairs.
Eliott is unable to communicate verbally, he is autistic and has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, so managing him can be a challenge for the family from Ringland, Newport.
"I rush down and check how he's doing and stop anything bad happening to him," explained Winners, one of thousands of young people whose roles are recognised today on Young Carer's Awareness Day today
Although helping to look after Eliott is a responsibility, it is one which Winners enjoys. "It's fun playing with him and when I grow up I'll know how to look after children. I like showing my mum how responsible I am," he said.
When he finds things difficult he can talk to his Barnardo's Cymru project worker about what's worrying him and he enjoys meeting with other young carers at one of their social clubs.
"I like going to Young Carers because I meet young people with brothers and sisters with problems. Before I used to think I was the only person with a disabled brother. There's lots of sport and we go on trips to places like Oakwood. I also learn about disabilities and how to look after my brother," said Winners.
Jon Hilder, team manager with Barnardo's Cymru, said: "We support a wide variety of young people with caring responsibilities for a parent or sibling who might be disabled, have a mental or physical health condition or have substance misuse issues.
"It's really important they receive support because being a young carer can be challenging and impact on their social opportunities, their education and their own mental health and wellbeing.
"There are many different ways they can struggle. They might not have time to complete homework or have the right uniform. They may be distracted in school because they are worried about the person they have left behind at home and they may not have as much disposable income as other young people."
Councillor Paul Cockeram, Newport City Council's cabinet member for social services, said: "Although children and young people, like Winners, often care for a parent or sibling because they love them and want to do it, it can be a lot of responsibility on young shoulders and can have a big impact on their lives.
"That is why this excellent project is so important as it provides vital support to young carers in our city. I would urge anyone under 25 who is helping to care for a relative or loved one to contact Barnardo's on 01633 251152, email [email protected] or ring the council on 01633 656656."
The project is funded by the council through Newport Families First and provides support for eight to 25-year-olds. Each young person has an individual support plan and can take part in sport, art groups, social clubs and outings. They also have chance to talk to their support worker in school who can act as advocate when there are problems they are worried about.
Newport City Council is marking Young Carers' Awareness Day on January 30 with a short film featuring Winners - https://youtu.be/v0NZbv3uz0U - and is funding half-term activities for the carers.