Southampton’s Hidden Superheroes

16th March 2021

This Young Carers Action Day, No Limits is recognising young carers across the city to help raise awareness of the vital role they have in the community. No Limits has shared poems written by young carers that highlight the superhero roles they carry out in their everyday lives.

10 year old Millie wrote “Today I am a superhero in disguise because I have to smile through the hardest times. Today I am strong because I can stand up to my fears with only a little hesitation. Today I am courageous, to put on my cape and be my own superhero.”

Young Carers Action Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of young carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities. This year’s theme for Young Carers Action Day looks at protecting young carers’ futures and highlighting the incredible skills they develop in their role as a young carer.

Alice Mooney, Service Manager at No Limits, said “Young carers face so many challenges and make daily sacrifices to support and care for their family, which in turn can impact their own wellbeing. The young carers we support have developed so much strength and resilience in their caring role, which is why we really wanted to celebrate them this Young Carers Action Day and to help recognise the inspiring role they play as hidden superheroes in the city.”

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care said: “We are passionate about supporting our young carers in Southampton, in collaboration with No Limits. We recognise the valuable role of our amazing young carers and young adult carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities, they are our unsung super heroes and we truly value them. This Young Carers Action Day we pledge to action and deliver change for our young and young adult carers to protect their futures.”

Councillor Darren Paffey, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said: “Southampton’s young carers do an amazing job under often challenging circumstances and are indeed some of the city’s hidden superheroes. There is no doubt that it can be extremely tough juggling caring responsibilities alongside learning and all the other pressures of being a young person, which is why I’d encourage young carers to access the help and support that is available from No Limits. After all, even superheroes need help and support sometimes.”

Children and young people aged 8-18 can attend Young Carers in Southampton for a safe space to come together and share their stories, gain help from their peers and gain timely support for their mental health. Sessions are currently taking place via Zoom as well as some limited face-to-face support within government guidelines. To find out more, phone 02380 224 224 or email enquiries@nolimitshelp.org.uk.