The young carers project at The Zone

Research by The Children’s Society (2004) estimates that there are 175,000 carers nationally. Statistically, it is possible that there are over 400 young people locally who take care of others, many of whom will not have come to the attention of any professionals. Health professionals who make home visits are in an ideal position to identify young people who are taking on extra responsibility or providing care at home and referring those who fit the criteria.

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who:

• takes significant adult responsibilities in their family
• carries out significant caring tasks
• there is evidence that these adult roles and responsibility are having a negative impact

Aims of the young carers project

Identifies young carers through raising awareness with:

• young people in schools
• teachers and support staff in schools
• professionals who work for the 'cared for' person (eg drugs and alcohol workers, GP’s, disability workers, pharmacists, Adult and Children’s Social Services, Family Support Workers etc)

Supports and advocates with young carers to:

• assess each individual’s situation
• create a young person led plan which focuses on their needs
• offer one-to-one support sessions
• develop ways of accessing additional support based in young person’s community

Provides groups for young carers:

• to build confidence, have fun, meet new young people and learn ways to handle difficult situations.
• offers consultations for adults who wish to discuss a young carers situation.

How to make a referral

Referral is a simple process that begins with a telephone call. The Zone will take some information about the young person’s circumstances, but not their name without consent. A short form will then be sent out to the referrer so that the young person’s details can be completed and returned. On receipt of this form the young person/family will be contacted and a meeting arranged so that the situation can be assessed and the work with them begun.

If you would like more information, make a referral or request an awareness raising session you can contact a Young Carers Worker on 01752 206626. You can also find out more information by visiting the Young Carers section on The Zone Plymouth website.

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