We have raised awareness of this issue in Merthyr Tydfil and have seen an increase in demand for the service. It's not enough with a baby," she says. The European Commission says that children growing up in poverty and social exclusion are less likely than other children to do well in school, enjoy good health and stay out of trouble.

The service is invaluable in that it ensures young carers have a break from their responsibilities and it gives young carers a platform to share their experiences whilst raising awareness about the issues they face. The Changing View of Irish Immigration to the Welsh Valleys, Merthyr Memories: The Last Days of Old Dowlais, Merthyr Memories: St Mary’s Roman Catholic School and Court Street, Merthyr's Lost Landmarks: The Triangle, Pentrebach, Old Merthyr Tydfil – The no 1 website relating to Merthyr’s History, Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society Facebook Page. The film has already been screened at an anti-poverty conference in Newport. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website. "You can tell he wants to support his kids but because he's on income support and disability, he can't afford it," says Gemma. "At the moment I am poor, I've got hardly any money at all," she says. Our estimates also point to variations in the root causes of poverty. 2 1. Gemma hopes in the future to be able to buy a car, become a homeowner and be able to put money away for savings. The first ironworks was opened in 1759. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Student film sheds light on poverty in Merthyr, Gemma's family live on the Gurnos estate in Merthyr, Donna says it's a struggle to bring up a baby with little money, Gemma hopes the film will challenge stereotypes about living in poverty, Kim Howells goes back to his artistic roots, Former vicar shows work at church college, Merthyr Tydfil 'unhealthy for over 150 years', European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. Things are much better now with Barnardo’s involved. A candid film by a student from Merthyr Tydfil is being used to mark the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social exclusion. Depending on the level of need, young carers will access two levels of provision. This matters, because if decision-makers want to reduce poverty they need to focus on the big numbers not just the rates. I want a successful career and a nice house, stability where I can afford a place of my own.". They run other activities too. Twenty two year old Gemma is currently in the second year of a degree course studying film and video at Merthyr Tydfil college.

She adds that her 16-year-old self who left school with no qualifications would be proud that today she's in university, has still got goals and is still true to her roots. They even got me a grant for my running spikes. Wales was the only UK nation to see a rise in child poverty last year, according to research by charities. It’s wonderful that the Minister is meeting the group and going to hear first-hand about the issues that affect young carers.”, A Young Carer aged 15 years in attendance said, “Before Barnardo’s got involved I felt lonely and worried. That helps me feel better about everything I have to do in my family.”, You can search our previous posts for items that match your interests, Telephone: 01685 725000 She hopes that the film will challenge the stereotypes that exist about living in poverty. It suggested 29.3% of children were in poverty in 2017-18, a rise of 1%. It is a National Statistic produced by statisticians at … All Young Carer Referrals will be accepted through the MIA Panel and will benefit from multi-agency information sharing approach. Worried about a suicide risk for yourself or someone else? Integrating the Service will allow us to: ­Increase the number of young carers we reach in Merthyr Tydfil; Decrease young carers’ dependency on Barnardos and help them increase independence; ­Utilise role of Key Workers and allow expert Project Workers to support more intensive children and young people, ­Reduce the amount of young carers currently on a waiting list to receive support. "To me success is a stable career with enough money that you can support yourself and others. Unfortunately this means they often miss out on opportunities to learn or socialise. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Gareth talks about being short of money one Christmas when Gemma and Donna were young. The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) is the official measure of relative deprivation for small areas in Wales. “This excellent project gives young carers the chance to share experiences, learn new skills and, most importantly, have fun! "I want to be able to afford the nice things that other people can have.". The level of demand for the Young carers’ service has increased as efforts have been made to increase awareness over the past three years. What is WIMD?

Donna adds that they regularly run short of money and Lee has to work overtime to pay the bills. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The project gives young carers the opportunity to get together with other young people in similar situations to them so they feel less isolated, know they are not alone and develop good support structures and friendships and reduce the impact of their caring responsibilities on their young lives. Gemma Griffiths' film Two Sisters gives a personal view of her family's experience of dealing with poverty and living on the breadline. Lisa Curtis-Jones, Chief Officer for Social Services and Strategic Lead for Carers within Merthyr Tydfil, said: We are pleased the Minister was able to visit the young carers’ project in Merthyr Tydfil and meet young people. Below is an article that appeared in the Merthyr Telegraph 139 years ago today about a group of local dignitaries who tried to alleviate the situation….

Others followed and by 1784 there were four large ironworks ( Penydarren , Dowlais, Plymouth, Cyfarthfa) within a two mile radius of the original village. The Heritage and Culture of Merthyr Tydfil. The Red Box Project - Merthyr Tydfil. He brings in between £200 to £230 a week "working all day, every day," as Donna explains. 145 likes. Email: customer.care@merthyr.gov.uk, Categories : We continue to promote support for young carers in the area to ensure that they receive the practical and emotional support required, with the aim of improving the outcome for the whole family. For example, eradicating poverty in Merthyr Tydfil would barely make a dent in the total, because it is a small place. The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, met with a group of Merthyr Tydfil Young Carers this week (Monday, 24 th August).. Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths said: “Young carers shoulder a huge range of responsibilities, from cooking and cleaning to providing care and emotional support. A Whole Common Assessment Form (CAF) Family Assessment will be completed meaning that all young carers will be identified at an earlier stage. Merthyr Poverty When looking at Merthyr’s history, it is sometimes easy to forget the crippling poverty that afflicted a lot of people in the town. The film details her struggle in paying the rent and bills whilst in a low paying job. A recent success has been the integration of our Young Carers Service into the family support structure which now provides support to the whole family not just the young carer. Read more. Gemma's family live on the Gurnos estate in Merthyr. For those young carers whose needs are not so acute or immediate, they will have access to a worker who will be on-hand to provide ‘lighter-touch’ support and will be linked up to mainstream activities. When looking at Merthyr’s history, it is sometimes easy to forget the crippling poverty that afflicted a lot of people in the town. The young carer’s needs will be addressed alongside the family issues identified. She made the film after her tutors Richard Davies and Nicola Ebdon were approached by the UK Department of Work and Pensions and the Bevan Foundation make a video to mark the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Gemma, who lives in a flat in Troedyrhiw, works part time at a fast-food outlet. The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, met with a group of Merthyr Tydfil Young Carers this week (Monday, 24th August). Families with disabled children and young people and those with young carers, are seen as an intrinsic part of the Families First programme in Merthyr Tydfil. It was good to see for myself the great work the project does and to talk to young carers about how it has benefitted them and their families.”. The causes and solutions vary. Merthyr Tydfil, with its large supplies of both iron ore and coal, was an attractive site for the ironmasters. "At the moment I have barely enough money to live on right now, never mind to put away enough money to save," she adds. She's wants a better life for herself and is ambitious and determined to make it happen. If the young carer has multiple needs, they will be allocated a Key Worker to provide intensive support. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Support is available here, Latest information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). I struggle a bit to keep my money. They give me a break and a really good time. Gemma Dunning, Barnardo’s Team Manager with responsibility for Young Carers, said:“Young carers often have to take on adult responsibilities from a young age which can leave them feeling isolated and different from their peers. Ensuring no young woman has to miss out on her education because of her period. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. Below is an article that appeared in the Merthyr Telegraph 139 years ago today about a group of local dignitaries who tried to alleviate the situation…. They will also engage in advocacy in the wider community, as well as connecting the young person to any additional support networks open to them, to ensure they get the full range of help they need. Read more. Gemma's family faced financial challenges when ill health forced her father Gareth to give up his job at metal pressing factory TPS in Merthyr. Press Release. A candid film by a student from Merthyr Tydfil is being used to mark the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social exclusion. "She'd probably be really proud of me and what I've accomplished to far. ", As she says in the film: "I'll be okay, I'll always find a way through.".

Councillor Linda Matthews, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Services, said:As the lead member for social services in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council I am delighted that the minister visited the young carer’s project and has recognised the work that is going on. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.

Now I look forward to going to the Barnardos young carers clubs every week. Copyright © 2020 BBC.

Her sister Donna has a young baby and talks on the film about the cost of bringing up her daughter Summer and the difficulties she and her partner Lee have making ends meet.