We support young carers, aged between 5 and 18 years.
We support young adult carers, aged between 16 and 25 years.
You may think that looking after a family member is normal or it’s just what you do, but if you do this regularly and someone depends on your help, you are probably a carer. Young adult carers are people whose lives are affected by caring for someone at home. Although caring can be deeply rewarding it can also be time-consuming, affect someone emotionally, physically and/or socially and impact on your education, work and finances.
1 in 5 young people are caring in England*.
*BBC survey.
If you are not sure whether you are a carer ask yourself:
Carers often help someone at home with tasks such as: getting washed; getting dressed; communicating; shopping; paying bills; medication; etc.
Sound familiar? You may be a carer.
Life is different for each young adult carer so your support plan is designed for your very individual situation and needs. You will also get help from the support work that we provide, individually or in a group.
Support workers can help you to manage your feelings, worries about caring, share your ambitions or wishes while getting a chance to build your knowledge and skills. You may want to know more about the condition for the person you care for or chat about your future.
Young adult carers tell us what they need to learn to improve and support their caring role and for their personal development. We then design our training sessions based on their answers. In the past, we have delivered training sessions such as first aid, interview techniques and building confidence and attended job fairs. All our training is designed to be appropriate for the age of those taking part.
Carers assessments, look at everything you do as a carer and how we can help. One-to-one sessions with a Support Worker can help you with your feelings and anything related to caring. We know carers need a time out – so we offer a range of activities and clubs at no cost to give you a chance to have fun and make new friends with others who understand. We also run peer mentoring and befriending sessions. You will also be issued with a carers card that can be used for discounts.
Not all of them, we support a lot of carers and we never have enough places for everyone. We make our selections based on a carer’s need for a break from caring first. After that, we look at when was the last time you attended a trip. You can register your interest in everything, if there is no space you will be put on the waiting list. If anyone drops out you may be called last minute to see if you want to attend.
Meeting other carers that know what you are going through helps to reduce isolation.
We always do a quick icebreaker for people to get to know one another a bit better. There are also staff, peer mentors and befrienders that can help you. You do not have to do anything that you don’t want to, it is entirely up to you. This is the same for any activity we have, if you change your mind that is ok.
Some only have a carers card so they can have a discount or a free place because they are a carer.