Support for young carers

Who is a young carer?

A young carer is a young person looking after a family member who is unable to look after themselves. This might be because they are ill or disabled, have a mental illness or have problems with alcohol or drugs.

Young carers provide practical support such as:

• Helping around the home, shopping, cleaning or cooking a meal
• Getting someone get out of bed, washed and dressed
• Giving medication

What support is available for young carers?

Young carers can get support through:

• Older children can attend Efford Youth Club for a weekly support session. Efford run two groups, one for 8 to 10 year-olds and one for 11 to 16 year-olds (telephone 01752 776853)
• The Young Carers Project from The Zone

The young carers project

The young carers project can:

• Make sure you are listened to
• Support you
• Speak on your behalf at meetings and in school
• Talk about your situation
• Create a plan that focuses on you
• Provide groups for you to meet with other young carers and to explore the issues that affect you
• Build confidence, have fun and learn new ways to handle difficult situations.

For more information visit The Zone website for further details and contact information.