My Time - for young carers

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