If you are under the age of 18 and have responsibility for caring for a relative with a long term illness, disability, or is older and frail you are a young carer. Your caring role may be physical, emotional or both.
You may be a young carer if you are under 18 and are:
the sole carer in the home
supporting another adult family member in care tasks
taking on parenting responsibilities for younger siblings because your parents are unable to or need assistance at particular times
not necessarily providing care but are substantially affected by disability in the family
Specialist support for young carers in Dudley
Dudley Young Carers Service can make a real difference to children, young people and adults who provide care and support to a parent, sibling or family member.
What do they offer?
one to one young carer support
information, guidance and signposting
emotional support through counselling
training sessions and workshops
holiday activities
10 week F.U.N (Fitness, Understanding, Nutrition programme for young carers)
regular newsletters
support at professional meetings
school support and transition to college/university or employment.
Offer advice to young people aged 13-19 (or 25 if you have a disability) on a range of topics from employment and training, to health and housing needs. Staff from Connexions are aware of the role of young carers and where additional support may be found. Email Connexions Dudley.
Supporting carers locally throughout the UK. Visit the Carers Trust website for more information.
Making it Real is a set of standards which directly relate to the experiences of those who use care and support services or who care for people who do. It is a framework for best practice in personalised care and support.