'Those who need the service most could miss out': Former young carer shares fears over Calderdale Council transport cut

The woman, who has asked to share her story anonymously, says Calderdale Young Carers – a service run by Calderdale Council – was “incredibly important” to her, allowing her to “simply be a child”.

She fears axing the transport currently provided to and from activity sessions for young carers will mean children will miss out.

"I would hate for a child to miss out on the one place where they feel safe and able to be a child because of circumstances within their home that they have no control over,” she said.

Growing up, her mother had significant mental health difficulties and, at times, spent much of her time in bed and struggling with day-to-day life. Both of of her parents also drank heavily.

"As a result, I had quite a difficult and dysfunctional home life from a young age and took on responsibilities that no child should necessarily have to carry,” she said.

"Young Carers was incredibly important to me. The sessions gave me an opportunity to get away from everything at home and, perhaps most importantly, simply be a child.

"I felt safe, happy and able to experience some normality. Looking back, those were some of the few times when I genuinely felt carefree.

"This is why I am concerned about any arrangements where a child's continued attendance may depend on a parent being able to provide transport.

"On paper, it may appear that a parent is physically capable of bringing their child to a session. However, that does not necessarily mean that they are reliably or consistently able to do so.

"Mental health difficulties, substance misuse, chaotic home environments and other circumstances can have a significant impact on a parent's ability to organise and facilitate attendance, even when there is no obvious physical barrier preventing them from doing so.

"My concern is that the child can end up being the one who loses out as a result.

"A young person may not have the understanding, confidence or ability to explain why their parent is unable to bring them. They may simply stop attending.

"From the outside, it could look as though the family has chosen not to attend or that the parent is unwilling to make the effort. In reality, the child may have very little control over the situation.

"For some young carers, these services may be much more than an activity. They can be a safe space away from a difficult home environment, somewhere to socialise with other children who understand their experiences, and one of the few opportunities they have to experience some normality.

"I worry that if transport becomes a barrier, particularly for children from already dysfunctional or vulnerable households, those who potentially need the service most could inadvertently be the ones who lose access to it.

"I completely understand that organisations have practical limitations and that parents do have responsibilities. My concern is simply that decisions about transport and attendance should take into account the reality of the child's home circumstances, rather than assuming that because a parent is technically capable of providing transport, they will necessarily be able to do so consistently.”

The Courier revealed on Friday that a message had been sent out by Calderdale Young Carers informing families that increasing demand and staffing pressures mean changes need to be made to transport arrangements for its weekly activity sessions.

The service supports children and young people, aged between eight and 18, who live with and help to care for someone who has physical or mental health problems, learning difficulties, or drug or alcohol problems.

The sessions involve the chance to meet other young carers and help shape service changes or improvements and future planning.

The message said: "From October 1, parents/carers will be responsible for transporting their child to and from Young Carers sessions.”

It added that the service recognised the move “may present challenges for some families” and it would “consider individual circumstances and endeavour to make alternative arrangements where possible”.

When asked about the message, Councillor Tim Holden, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, said transport to and from activity sessions has never been a “formal part” of the support offered to young carers.

“Our young carers team is very small, demand for the service has nearly doubled over recent years and many families have access to their own transport,” he said.

"For these reasons, we need to reduce the significant amount of time spent transporting children to and from activities, to ensure support is focused where it’s needed most – direct work with young carers, outreach, assessments and family support.

“However, if lack of transport is stopping young carers attending activities, we will continue to consider individual circumstances and provide transport support where families genuinely need help.

"We will do all we can to ensure that no child will be excluded from activities because they can’t get there.”

Following strong public outcry, Calderdale Council has since offered to meet with young carers’ families to listen to their concerns.

Coun Holden and director of Children and Young People’s Services Martyn Stenton are writing to families today “to ensure there is an opportunity to listen to concerns and assure that transport will still be provided where needed for young people to attend activities”.