When I met with young carers during my community consultation, the Big Conversation, they set me a challenge. They asked me to get back to them on the concerns that they raised in three months.

I’ve now reported back to the Sheffield Young Carers Action Group, telling them that I’ve asked the Government to make Carer’s Allowance available to all those in full-time education, that I have met local NHS agencies to press for better access to mental health services, that I have met Sheffield College to discuss concerns, and that I have set up meetings for Sheffield Young Carers with the Community Pharmacy Group and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

Sheffield’s young carers are a really inspiring group of people. They take on really tough responsibilities, juggling study and work with caring responsibilities for family members with disabilities, illness or mental health problems. They deserve more support and as a Member of Parliament I’m pleased to press for their rights.

Laura Selby, Deputy Manager at Sheffield Young Carers, said:

We’re over the moon with all the help Paul has given us since he met our Young Carers Action Group in September. He really listened to their concerns and took on board their suggestions. Thanks to Paul, we’ve already met with Community Pharmacy Sheffield and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and have other meetings lined up in the New Year. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Paul and his team for helping us find new ways to improve the lives of young carers -; we couldn’t have done it without them.

Sheffield Young Carers has just launched a new website full of information, resources and films made by young carers. To find out more about the work they do and sign up to their new newsletter, please visit www.sheffieldyoungcarers.org.uk