Young Carers

Young Carers are children and young people under the age of 18 years, who provide care to another family member who has a physical illness or disability, mental ill health, a sensory disability or maybe is dependent on drugs or alcohol. 

Young Carers carry out, often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks, taking on a high level of responsibility.  These young carers and their families are a vulnerable group and require a high level of support from both adult and children’s services.

The level of care they provide would usually be undertaken by an adult and as a result of this it has a significant impact on their normal childhood development.

The Young Carers Project offers the following support:

• To enable Young Carers to achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes and develop socially, mentally and physically the project offers:

 

• Respite; in the form of activities and outings;

 

• 1 – 1 support and the chance to talk to someone who will listen

 

• Advocacy and signposting to other agencies where needed;

 

• Young Carers the opportunity to meet other Young Carers;

 

• A Young Carers Forum and committee, where Young Carers can be consulted and their views expressed;

 

•  Information and support to both Young Carers and their families

 

•  Work with schools and other agencies in supporting Young Carers and by raising awareness of Young Carer’s issues;

For more information on Young Carers visit www.youngcarers.net or contact Huma Sheikh on 01254 265874 or email hsheikh@canw.org.uk