Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old, who look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled, has mental health problems, or has a drugs or alcohol problem.
The young carer may be may the sole carer or be supporting another family member in care tasks. At the same time the impact of these caring responsibilities may cause difficulties at home, in school or college, or elsewhere.
Young carers may be involved in:
- Practical care - Cooking, Cleaning, Shopping.
- Personal care - Washing, dressing or toileting.
- Family responsibilities - Managing money and household budgets, Completing forms and/or household responsibilities.
- Medical care - Reminding the cared for to take medication, administering medication, giving injections etc.
- Emotional care - Listening and/or talking to the cared for person about their feelings, concerns and difficulties.
- Care of younger siblings - Helping to look after a sibling because their parent/s are unable to, or need assistance at times.
How do we help?
When a young carer is referred to us we will contact them and arrange to meet with them to discuss their needs and develop a support plan. We aim to:
- Take a whole family approach to consider family needs whilst signposting adults where appropriate.
- Give information and advice around local activities, national contacts, and support services relevant to your situation.
- Hold various activities around the bay for young carers to attend. This is an opportunity for young carers to meet other people in a caring role within a fun and relaxed environment. During these activities the young carers can have a break from their role and take part in arts and crafts, cooking, playing games etc.
- Provide individual support and befriending - This can include support within the family household or/and school. In various schools we hold lunch-clubs where young carers can come together to meet other students in a caring role.
- Keep young carers up to date with the project activities and relevant information via a mailing list.
- Signpost to any additional support that is required by either the young carer or cared for person. We are able to refer you to other agencies where appropriate support can be given.
For agencies and those working with young people and/or children, we can offer:
- Advice on addressing young carer’s issues and making services more assessable to young carers.
- Support for those working with individual young carers.
If you would like to refer a young person to our service, please contact us on youngcarers@torbay.gov.uk
Once the referral form has been completed please send to youngcarers@torbay.gov.uk
