Are you a young person with caring responsibilities?
Joe and Abigail are typical young carers
Joe is 14 and has a sister, Megan, who has autism. Joe helps to support his family in lots of ways – he keeps an eye on Megan while his mother cooks and irons. Sometimes Joe’s mother cries and then he likes to stay at home and help her instead of going to youth club with his friends. He would like his family to go out more together but realises this is difficult with his sister’s autism.
Abigail, 11, lives with her mum and her mum’s boyfriend. Her mum is an alcoholic and both take drugs. Sometimes Abigail has to miss school to look after them. She goes to secondary school soon and is worried about falling behind in her lessons
Does this sound like you or anyone you know?
If it does, there is support out there with the Young Carers Project
Young people like those in the examples above can receive support in a variety of ways:
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One to one support
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Time out on your own with someone to talk to
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Group activities
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Signposting to other services
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Training e.g. first aid
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Advocacy if needed (this is when someone independent speaks up for you)
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Respite (someone to care for the person you care for so you can have some time to yourself)
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Residential breaks for you
If you want to find out more about the Young Carers Project call Vicky Campbell on 01495 769996 or 07843 357857.