Young carers go Continental

Date published: 03 September 2010

Bury Young Carers were keen to get their message across at the highest level.

So they travelled to Brussels to meet Marian Harkin, the MEP for carers, and see how things are done in the European Parliament.

Liam Swanston, group member, said: “Marian told us that she used to be a teacher and only got into politics in the last ten years.

“She said that, until she got involved with politics, she was not fully aware of what it meant to be a carer, but now she sits on the “interest group on carers” in the European Parliament and advised us how we might raise the profile of young carers.”

On a lighter note, the youngsters took in some local culture, architecture and food, including the light show at the Grand Palace and the Atomium.

Closer to home, the young carers met the Mayor of Bury, Councillor John Byrne, and talked about issues that affect them.

They enjoyed refreshments in the mayor’s parlour and were given a tour of the council chambers, where they learned about the history of the borough and how council meetings work.

The young carers are pictured heading to the European Parliament.