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Who are Young Carers?
A young carer is someone under the age of 18, whose life is affected by caring. The person being cared for may have a disability, long-term illness, mental ill-health, or a drug or alcohol problem. The person being cared for is usually a parent, sibling or other family member.Care tasks in which young carers can be involved include:
- Practical - cleaning, cooking and shopping
- Personal/Intimate Care - washing, dressing or toileting
- Family Responsibilities - managing the household budget or other household responsibilities
- Medical Care - administering medications, giving injections, etc.
- Emotional Support - to the care receiver and other family members
- Care of Younger Siblings - because their parents are unable to, or need assistance at particular times
Young Carers may be the sole carer or may be supporting another family member in care tasks. The most recent national estimates put the number of young carers between 19,000 and 51,000.
What does the Young Carers Service provide?
For young carers and their families the project aims to provide support through:- Information and Advice - regarding the project, local support and activities, national contacts and other information relevant to their situation.
- Young Carers Groups - to give a break and provide support.
- Activities/Outings - including occasional weekends away.
- Individual Support - and befriending.
- Mailing List - to keep Young Carers up to date with the project activities and other relevant information.
For agencies and those working with children and young people:
- Advice - on addressing Young Carer issues and making organisations and services more accessible to Young Carers.
- Support - for those working with individual Young Carers
Torbay Young Carers Strategy
An interagency steering group has been set up in Torbay in order to develop a strategy addressing the needs of Young Carers in the area. The strategy aims to:- Raise awareness of the needs of Young Carers amongst young people, professionals and the local community.
- Ensure that Young Carers have access to ordinary childhood opportunities.
- Match service to the needs of young carers and provide them with support in their caring role.
- Work on a multi-agency is through liaison and joint projects to support appropriate developments for Young Carers.
Developments currently being progressed include:
- A 'voice of the carer' training module on Young Carers
- Development of home based short breaks service for carers
- Development of support materials on Carers Assessments
- Development of a pilot project to provide support to Young Carers in schools
Contact Torbay Young Carers Service
- Tel: 01803 208657
- Email: youngcarers@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 208226
