Yesterday’s meeting with the Sheffield Young Carers Action Group was a good opportunity to catch up after a summer in which they trialled a free travel and discounted leisure scheme. They told me it helped to reduce stress for both them and their families, by allowing them to get out of the house and attend important appointments with less financial worry.

They’re keen to see the offer extended, and rolled out to more carers, so that all of Sheffield’s young carers can enjoy the same benefits and receive something back for the hard work they put in caring for loved ones.

With a recent Barnado’s study finding many more young people caring for loved ones than originally thought, it’s more important than ever that we support them throughout their childhood and early adulthood, and free travel is a good place to start. You can sign my petition calling on SYPTE to bring in a free young carers’ travel pass here.