Children under 18 regularly caring for a family member who is mentally or physically ill, has a disability, or drug or alcohol problems, are Young Carers. The person receiving care is often a parent but can be a brother or sister, grandparent or other relative who needs support.
Young people are often very happy to help their parents or relatives and it can be very positive for them. But children also have the right to be looked after and to have their own time to play, develop and learn. Government policy is that children should not be expected to do as much caring as an adult and adults should not rely on the caring abilities of a child. NHS YOUNG CARERS
Young Carers face serious caring responsibilities. In addition to the daily tasks they complete for the person they are caring for such as housework, cooking and bathing, they live with the added pressure of school, and often, a lack of understanding from school friends. The physical and emotional strain of the provision of that care can affect the day to day life of that young person and can sometimes be too much to cope with.
As with adult Carers, the Practice would like to offer a little extra support for patients who are Young Carers eg. flexible appointments at the surgery, help with registering for the Surgery’s on-line services, invites for flu vaccinations and booking a Carer’s Health Check to help the Clinical Team look after your health. Provide the Surgery with your up-to-date email address and we can also forward the latest information and updates we receive at the Surgery.
The Carer’s Lead at Lifeboat Quay Medical Centre is Lorraine Davies, who will be pleased to help you to register as a Carer and guide you to the support and information services available.
Young Carers Support App
The Young Carers Support App makes it easy for young carers to find reliable information and services.
- Learn how to keep well – physically and emotionally
- Know how to get help and support when you need it
- Develop useful everyday skills
- Make better-informed choices about your health and wellbeing
- Find local information if your area has subscribed to a local page
https://www.expertselfcare.com/health-apps/young-carers-support-app/
Local Support for Young Carers
If you are a young carer, and care for someone living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area, please contact the Children’s First response hub:
Tel: 01202 123334
Email: [email protected]
If you are a young carer, and care for someone living in the Dorset Council area please contact Carer Support Dorset
Tel: 0800 3688349
Email: [email protected]
My Time supports Young Carers aged 5 to 18 years. For information visit: https://www.mytimeyoungcarers.org/
Carers & Young Carers Information Services
Carers Information Service (CRISP): 01202 128787
Kooth.com – Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people. Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 6pm-10pm. On Kooth you can chat to friendly counsellors, read articles written by young people, get support from the Kooth community and write in a daily journal.
NHS Carers Direct: 0800 802 0202 or www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
Carers Direct Helpline: 0300 123 1053
Carers Line 0808 8087777
My Life My Care www.mylifemycare.com My Life My Care is the trusted source of information and support available to carers across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.
https://carers.org/article/getting-support-if-you-are-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer
UP in BCP Services for Young People
Support for young people aged 12-19 (up to 25 if they have SEN/disability) in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
Website: https://www.upinbcp.co.uk
Leonardo Trust
The Leonardo Trust is a Dorset-wide carers charity and works with carers of all ages. They can provide one to one counselling support and funding to support a young carers hobbies such as xbox subscription, arts and crafts materials etc.
[email protected] or [email protected]
website: https://www.leonardotrust.org
Honeypot
A national young carers charity offering respite breaks, outreach support and support services for young carers aged 5-12 years. They give young carers a break from demanding and stressful responsibilities at home and provide a safe, nurturing environment where children at risk can develop their full potential. Website: https://www.honeypot.org.uk
Carers Direct – help for Young Carers
Young Carers can receive advice and support with caring issues over the phone by calling Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053.
Sibs
Sibs is a UK charity providing support for children who are siblings of a disabled child or adult. Young Sibs is specifically aimed at siblings under the age of 18 and aim to provide direct support. They have an online platform and a chat function for young sibling carers.
Website: https://www.youngsibs.org.uk
Tel: 01202 584353
Email: [email protected]
Action for Children
Action for Children offer breaks for young carers as well as practical and emotional support and family support. Website: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/our-work-and-impact/children-and-families/young-carers/
