The Off Switch

With this blog I would like to explore one of the 6Cs and the different contexts that it can be used, this C also represents the essence of the 6Cs themselves.

It only seemed appropriate that I finally put this piece down as we reach the end of #CarersWeek as it firstly features the C that I would like to ramble about but it also is the theme that I wanted follow and as usual there’s been the usual time for procrastination which leads to publishing now.

There are many of us who care, in fact if I’m honest with myself I live in hope that everyone cares but that’s not to say that they do, although if you look at it deeply we all care about something even if there are those who care merely for the material and not the person that lies beneath it.

What about those who care for others, do we take the time to think of them, many travel through this world unnoticed and we are unaware of the fact that they are caring for someone, whether that be a family member, friend, long term partner or the homeless person on the street.

What about the #CYP (Children and Young People) that could be caring for a member of their family, they may pop in to see their grandparents house on the way home from school to drop off a pint of milk or they could be caring for a parent or guardian who is living with a long term health condition. Do we see these young people as they arrive at our schools, walk our streets or visit our local shops, are we aware of what their day comprises of as they pass us by or sit looking weary eyed at our class or Scout meeting; probably not. 

I do my best to find out about those who are caring for someone I come into contact with, whether that be in my role as support worker or Scout leader. I have been able to provide young people who are carers with fond memories that will remain with them for life whilst allowing them time to have fun in a safe environment where they feel that sense of caring that shines from within them as they go about their lives supporting those that they care for.

What can we do to support those who are caring for others, how can create a space that allows them to hit the off switch for a little while to allow them to breathe, to be themselves and in the case of young carers allow them to enjoy their childhood. Life passes us by so quickly and the young carers of this world may never experience the joys of climbing trees in the summer sun or running through the sea of fallen leaves in the Autumn so we have to do our best to notice those who may cross our paths and share a smile with them, a little acknowledgement that they do exist and they to are cared for.