Liberal Democrats in Solihull submitted a motion on 27th February, calling on Solihull Council to support and promote Young Carers Action Day.
Unfortunately, Solihull Conservatives declined to approve the motion. Instead, they voted to refer the motion to the Children's Scrutiny Board on 11 March.
Introducing the motion, Councillor Ade Adeyemo said:
"Carers – paid and unpaid, young and old – do a remarkable and important job. They deserve far more support, but are too often forgotten and ignored.
"This year, Young Carers Action Day is on Wednesday, 12th March 2025 and the theme for this year is "Give Me A Break", focusing on the importance of rest and respite for young carers.
"The ‘Give Me A Break’ theme also speaks to young carers’ need for education professionals and employers to give them a break in life.
"The Carers Trust estimates that there are at least one million young carers aged 17 or under in the UK and over 600,000 between the ages of 18 and 25.
"332 young carers are formally recognised in Solihull by the Department for Education (DfE) but we all know that the actual figure is likely to be much higher.
"Young carers have so much responsibility on their shoulders that they often have little time for themselves and are at serious risk of burnout. They need a break.
"That is why the Liberal Democrats have brought forward this motion, calling on Solihull Council to Mark Young Carers Action Day (in two weeks time) on 12th March 2025.
"We are calling on Solihull Council to work with local schools to increase awareness and training to ensure that we are able to better support young carers in the borough.
“I hope that you agree with me and you will pass this motion. Our young carers need a break”.
Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats represent Liberal Democrat Members, Volunteers, Campaigners, Councillors and Candidates within the Local Authority area of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
The Local Authority area straddles three separate parliamentary constituencies - the Solihull West and Shirley constituency, the Meriden and Solihull East constituency and the two Solihull wards in the Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North constituency.
Liberal Democrats in Solihull and Meriden have a long record of action for the community, fighting hard for local residents on issues that are important to local residents.
