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Project:

My Time 4 Young Carers

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A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is:

  • Suffering from short or long-term illness or injury
  • Disabled
  • Misusing drugs or alcohol
  • Experiencing mental health problems

They often carry out significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility, which would normally be associated with an adult.

The person receiving the care is often a parent or a sibling but can be a grandparent or other relative.

What are the issues?

A young carer can experience some or all of the following issues:

  • Social isolation because of additional home life responsibilities
  • Bullying
  • Poor academic achievement as a result of low attendance, failure to meet deadlines or the ability to focus in class
  • Health problem relation to stress, poor diet and reduced fitness levels
  • Emotional difficulties due to worry or concern about the person requiring care

What support does our funding provide?

  • Weekly youth club sessions to meet with peers who have the same experiences of being a young carer
  • Practical training sessions to help make day to day life easier
  • Regular trips, that are chosen and planned by the young carers, giving them the chance to have fun and learn new skills
  • Holiday programmes during all school holidays packed full of fun activities
  • Residential trips each year involving games and activities to provide new experiences that help build confidence and self-esteem
  • Trained staff on hand to provide support and guidance

Testimonials

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“My Time 4 Young Carers is where I can have me-time with other people who understand what it is like to have tough times at home with sick family members. We do not need to talk about it, but we can if we want. The youth workers make me want to go each week, they are fun, happy and I feel very safe and important. I love my family very much, but it’s nice to have time for me and it is also fun.”

Who to Contact:

Jo Dove, Youth Worker | T: 01534 280543 E: [email protected]