To review the refresh of the Young Carers Under 25 Strategy and make recommendations to the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Councillor Bye, Carers Lead - Katy Heard and Young Carers Manager - Jessica Tucker provided an overview of the submitted report in respect of support for young and young adult carers in Torbay and responded to questions.

Members asked questions in relation to the following:

·                How many young carers were registered at the moment?  Were there hidden carers and what was the Council doing to overcome this?

·                Was training targeted towards parents as well?

·                What was the attendance at lunchtime clubs and how was the impact measured?

·                What was the clear offer for secondary school-aged young carers (13+)?

·                How do schools promote young carers’ services and drop-ins?

·                What were barriers to accessing services (language, home visits)?

·                What about transport barriers for engagement?

·                How were opportunities for digital communication being used?

The following responses were received:

·                The number of Young Carers linked with Torbay Young Carers was 580 (their levels of involvement with the Service varies i.e. some more intensive, some at school drop-ins).  The number of 16 + 17 Young Adult Carers (YACs) active to Torbay Young Adult Carer Service was 51 and the number of 18-25 YACs active to Torbay YAC was 192.  Many remained unidentified because they do not self-identify or understand what being a carer means.  There were many more of both young carers (YC) and YAC believed to be in the community, which was why there was a need for further work to assist early identification – which links to the Council’s Commitment to Carers, being refreshed on 20 November 2025 – Carers’ Rights Day, and the Memorandum of Understanding for Young Carers which was signed off in June 2025.

Actions being taken included:

·                Carer awareness training for Children’s Services staff starting December 2025.

·                A three-tiered training approach for professionals and schools to help identify carers.

·                Continuous cycle of training due to staff turnover.

·                Training was also targeted at parents.  Parents often resist and struggle to acknowledge their child as a carer due to stigma.  Initiatives being taken include:

·                Carers celebration events open to all.

·                Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Children’s Services and Adult Services to encourage whole-family thinking.

·                Activities for children to reduce negative perceptions of social care.

·                Attendance at lunchtime clubs was low and under review with an impact measurement being developed, for example Orchard Forest Day during school holidays which was well attended and fostered meaningful relationships.

·                Current offer for young carers was unclear.  Plans include:

·                Integration with Youth Hub and Youth Service.

·                Consultation starting January 2026 for three months, linked to Young Carers Action Day (March 2026).

·                Promotion of young carers services varies by school.  Common methods include:

·                Newsletters, posters, and staff awareness.

·                Teacher referrals based on observed patterns (lateness, homework struggles).

·                Dedicated workers in schools with strong pastoral links.

·                Language like “intervention” can deter families.  Home visits can be intrusive.  It often takes seven contacts for someone to accept they are a carer.  Mental health stigma was reducing, but substance misuse remains sensitive with families.

·                Transport was a major issue for out-of-school activities.  Solutions include:

·                Locating activities near bus routes.

·                Previously used minibuses and parental collection.

·                Affordable, accessible venues like libraries.

·                The Team was exploring different electronic means of communicating with young people for example:

·                Instagram, TikTok for outreach.

·                Text messaging as a safe communication method.

·                Demonstration planned for Spond, an online group management tool.

Members noted the contents of the submitted report.