Someone Like Me is a radio show and podcast featuring children and young people from Ireland, who have something unique they want to share with the world.
This eight-part series sees Kate Brennan Harding joined every week by a different young person who will meet and interview a grown-up that is a bit like them.
Tune in to RTÉjr Radio at 7pm, press play above now or subscribe here!
This series' intention is to celebrate differences, and to empower young people who otherwise might feel isolated because of their differences.
The star of this week's show is Zoe Gilmartin from Ballina County Mayo. Zoe is in second year of school and is a young carer.
Alongside being an active teenager, Zoe looks after the care of her 8 year old brother Ryan. She won Connacht Young Carer of the year 2021! We have paired Zoe up with former young carer Shauna Tighe, who also looks after her little brother Daniel.
Zoe goes above and beyond for her little brother Ryan who has Down Syndrome. Since he was born, she has learned Lámh, See & Learn, took part in his speech and language therapy, and included him in everything she does.
Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who provide care to another family member, such as a parent or sibling, who needs extra support. This may be because of disability, chronic illness, mental health difficulties, or problems with drugs or alcohol misuse.
There are an estimated 67,000 young carers in Ireland, who help their loved ones to bathe, dress, or walk, as well as assisting with cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Young carers may also provide emotional support during times of distress.
While many do not even recognise their caring role, and presume all families provide the same level of assistance, those who do are proud of what they do and that they've built up a whole range of useful skills. However, this role can also impact their health, social life and self-confidence.
Young Carers Action Day takes place on Wednesday, March 2022 and Family Carers Ireland aims to raise awareness of the struggles and importance of young carers who make massive contributions to their communities and families.
Supports for young carers can be found on www.youngcarers.ie
Click here to listen to all the podcasts now!
Thanks to Erin Darcy for the design of each child's logo for Someone Like Me.
