Urgency for Carers in Manchester!

As we begin 2012, the Albert Kennedy Trust in Manchester is faced with a real shortage of carers to support their young people. Find out below what being a carer is like and why you should contemplate becoming one. AKT interviewed one of their dedicated carers, Tracy, to share her experience with you.

What motivated you to become a carer?

In 2007 I applied to become a carer. For me, it was a way of giving something back to society. I don’t have a lot of money so am not able to support good causes financially, but this is something practical I can do that makes a real difference to someone’s life. I think the motivation is that you really do make a difference to someone vulnerable at a time when they are usually at rock bottom. I am incredibly fortunate to have always had love and support from my family, and I can’t imagine how hard it must be to not have that, so that’s my main motivation.

How has your experience been so far?

The overall experience has been positive – it must be, as I’m now on my third young person and have no plans to retire! I’ve learned a lot from each young person – from simple things like trying different foods to deeper stuff like different ways of looking at the world. It’s not usually a dramatic thing to be a carer but on occasions it does send challenges your way. I have had to report one young person as missing (thankfully he was okay), attend a police interview with one and accompany another to hospital in an ambulance! Into every life a little drama must enter …..!

Would you recommend becoming a carer and why?

Yes, if you are secure in your own identity. You will be helping a young person and the help you give can affect them for the rest of their life; this sounds scary but in reality it is a huge privilege. You will also learn a lot about yourself, so it is a growth experience for you, too. As a carer, you are part of a range of services that a young person can access, so you don’t have the entire responsibility for the wellbeing of that person – AKT can help with support and advice. You don’t have to be perfect!

What qualities do you believe a carer needs?

Tolerance because living with someone can drive you nuts, as everyone has their own habits. You have to be able to stand back and think that maybe their way of doing something is just as valid as yours, even if it is different and you wouldn’t do it that way. Honesty, because young people come with a built-in fib detector! Self-esteem because you will sometimes wonder what on earth you are doing, and a sense of humour so that you can see the funny side – don’t sweat the small stuff etc.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Imagine being a teenager and not having a safe home just because you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. All the things that so many of us take for granted – support, a sense of security, a place to go back to when times are hard – have been taken away from you and you are on your own. As adults we can form our own families. Young people are just starting out; the friends they have are usually still dependent on their own families and can’t offer the support we might get from our adult friends. AKT carers can fill that gap and give vulnerable young people breathing space and a chance to turn their lives around.

Here is a description of living with a carer from one of our ex-young people:

Living with an AKT carer was challenging and very difficult at the beginning as I was shy, quiet and nervous. Living with a carer brought me out of my shell and made me the person I am today. It was nice to live with a person who cares for me, even though I no longer live with her. My carer supported me through my mental health breakdown in 2009 - if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t know where I would be today. Going into supported lodging is a challenge for any young person especially if you are not used to a tight family unit, but the benefits are huge. Look at me - I am now a confident-young man and couldn’t be happier.

If you are interested in becoming a carer or would like to ask further questions please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download and application form from www.akt.org.uk  You really can make a difference.