Young Carers Awareness Day raises awareness of the challenges faced by young carers and campaigns for greater support for them.
Every day across the UK thousands of young people help to look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol.
Recent research shows that one in five secondary school children may be a young carer. For many, their caring journey begins at a much younger age. Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying and stressful. For young carers, this can negatively impact on their experiences and outcomes in education, having a lasting effect on their life chances.
Most young carers look after one of their parents, but some young carers help a brother or sister who is disabled or ill
A young carer may also care for a grandparent or another family member.
A young carer may:
- do chores around the home for their parents such as cooking, cleaning and shopping
- pick their siblings up from school when their family member can’t
- help their family member physically to get dressed or they may need to help a relative deal with their feelings by talking to them, listening and trying to understand any problems
- manage the family budget
- assist with medication
If you or someone you know is a young carer, help and support is available. Here are some of the services available to support young carers in Newport.
Barnardo’s Newport Young Carers Service
The Newport Young Carers Service is for any child or young person aged 8 to 25 who takes responsibility for; or is adversely affected by a member of their family who; has a long-term illness; is disabled; infirm; experiencing mental distress; or affected by substance misuse.
Service delivery
They provide a range of services, tailored to the individual needs of each young carer. These may include:
- Advice and information
- Individual support
- Peer group support
- Issue based workshops
- Trips and activities
Service outcomes
The service aims to support young carers in receiving emotional support, providing access to activities and helping to build friendships, gain new knowledge and skills and participate in influencing those who make decisions.
For more information about the Young Carers Service or to make a referral, please contact them on 01633251192 or by email at barnardosnewportservices@barnardos.org.uk.
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