Young carers met the All Party Parliamentary Group for Carers
On December 5th 2007 young carers from Norfolk Young Carers Project, Indigo Barnardo's Young Carers, Gloucestershire Young Carers and Barnet Young Carers were invited by Barbara Keeley MP to attend The All Party Parliamentary Group for Carers (APPGC).
The young carers were supported to attend by The Children's Society and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
'I met one of the young carers in September and said I would help him to visit Parliament and talk to his MP, and the event took off from there. I'm glad they had the chance to speak to Ministers, including the Prime Minister. I hope this will develop into a useful working relationship which will help develop policy for young carers.' Barbara Keeley MP..
The APPGfor Carers aims to ensure the equality of opportunity for carers in the UK by liaising with carers organisations, lobbying Government and promoting legislation on their behalf: to promote awareness among members of both Houses of the needs of carers and former carers; to liaise with members of the developed administrations within the UK in order to share best practice and to link with appropriate bodies, including carers organisations, on an international basis.
The group spoke about issues that they face and voiced their priorities for now and in the future.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Children's Minister, Kevin Brennan MP made the day extra special in a surprise visit to the group of young carers that were meeting to discuss the key issues facing young carers and their families in the UK.
'I welcome this opportunity to meet young carers and hear their views, which we will consider as part of the major review of the national carers' strategy currently underway. Our aim is that young carers, like all children, should have every opportunity to learn, develop and thrive.' Kevin Brennan MP
