Young Carers
1. Who are Young Carers?
Young carers are children and young people between the ages of 6yrs and 18yrs who regularly care for another person (usually a parent) and whose lives are seriously restricted by the need to take this responsibility.
The person being cared for may have a physical illness or disability, mental ill health or a condition associated with drug/alcohol use.
The child or young person may be acting as the main carer, even where a partner or other adult is present in the household.
2. Problems Young Carers can face
• A high degree of anxiety and stress often not shared with anyone else.
• Inappropriate physical demands of heavy duties, in some cases involving lifting the relative concerned.
• Negative effects on young carer’s mental, emotional and physical health and development.
• Restricted educational achievement due to regular lateness and absenteeism from school, combined with poor concentration due to limited sleep and additional worries.
• Difficulty in establishing and maintaining friendships or pursuing social and recreational activities.
• The loss of childhood and having to mature before time.
• Stigmatisation – especially when caring for relatives with mental ill health or drug/alcohol issues.
• Limited income associated with reduced opportunity for work due to disability or ill-health.
3. Services Provided
• 1: 1 sessions with a support worker.
• Enabling young people to meet with others in similar situations through small organised ‘friendship’ groups.
• Focussed group work such as worry busting, confidence building, first aid.
• Helping young people to access local community resources.
• Organising fun ‘time out’ from caring, through activities or short breaks away.
• Negotiating with other agencies to offer appropriate services to help things improve at home.
• Making sure there is good support at school.
4. How to Make Referrals
Derbyshire and Derby City Young Carers Service is run by childrens charity Action for Children and welcomes referrals from any person with knowledge and concern for the young carer. Any professional wishing to make a referral should discuss this with the young person and family.
We welcome referrals from young people who may choose to refer themselves; this may be done by telephoning either of the bases in Chesterfield or Derby. When the office is closed the answer phone will take the message and we will make contact as soon as we are able. All referrals will be treated confidentially and we will work with the young carer to identify the support he/she feels is needed.
Derbyshire & Derby City
Young Carers Service
32A Newbold Road
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S21 7PH
Tel: 01246 207752
Fax: 01246 277363
Email: yc.chesterfield@actionforchildren.org.uk
Derbyshire & Derby City
Young Carers Service
64/66 Beaufort Street
Chaddesden, Derby
DE21 6AY
Tel: 01332 370430
Fax: 01332 381616
Email: youngcarers.derbyshire@actionforchildren.org.uk