You may be able to get help and support from Children and Young People's Services as a young carer if you are under 18 years old and helping to care for a relative or friend who:
- is ill
- has a disability
- has a mental health problem
- is dependent on drugs or alcohol, or
- is affected by HIV or AIDS.
As a young carer, you may be helping in many ways, with housework, shopping or cooking. You may be helping the person you care for with tasks like going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing, or taking medication.
You may spend time listening to the person you care for when they are sad or depressed, or you may look after your brothers or sisters.
How can we help?
There are two kinds of support that young carers can access:
Group work
Group work provides a choice for young carers, giving them friendship and support. It can help to develop the young carers social skills and can reduce their sense of isolation, it will also give them the opportunity to experience the everyday pleasures of childhood, which is an essential part of the process of growth and development.
It is a supportive environment, in which young carers can be listened to and encouraged to identify their own needs.
One to one support
The scheme aims to match young carers with befrienders on the basis of individual need - someone who will empathise and understand their lives as children and as carers.
Volunteers will be needed who are willing to make a commitment to a young carer, and in return they will receive on going support and training.
Referrals to the scheme can be made by contacting the
Children in Need Duty Team. For more information, or for a volunteer information pack, please contact Wigan and Leigh Young Carers.
