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Caring for Young Carers; improving identification and support
A young carer is . . .
As young as 5, up to 18.
3 million UK children have a disabled family member – not
all are young carers.
Most children help out sometimes – but young carers have
responsibilities more usual for adults. There is often no one else to take over if they want to stop.
“a child or young person who is carrying out
significant emotional or physical caring tasks for a family member who is ill or disabled and assuming a
level of responsibility usually taken on by an adult”
National perspective
• 50,000 children and young people in the UK look after someone with a mental health problem.
• 920,000 UK children live with an alcohol dependent parent
• 28% of young carers have serious problems in secondary school.
• Carers save the UK economy £119 billion per year • Nearly half of young carers questioned said there was not a
single teacher at their school who knew they were a young carer
North Tyneside perspective
• 2001 census identified 770 young carers
• Carers UK estimate that this figure is more likely to be nearer 5,000
• 400 young carers aged 5-18 are known to North Tyneside Carers’ Centre
• 54% care for a parent
• 29% care for someone with a mental health problem
Most young carers figures quoted in this presentation are from Young Carers in the UK: the 2004 report (Dearden and Becker) www.lboro.ac.uk; www.bham.ac.uk
A young carer does . . .
Other 7%
Additional child care 11%
General caring 48%
Domestic chores 68%
Intimate caring 18%
Emotional support 82%
Help with bathing & dressing
Staying in, feeling responsible, listening
On top of other caring roles
Medication, mobility
Cooking, shopping, cleaning
Most young carers look after
their Mum.
About 15% look after their Dad. Some care for
both.
Just under a third care for a brother or sister, although
many who care for parents also
take on child care.
A small number of young carers look
after a grandparent or someone else.
12% of young carers
look after more than one person.
Who they care for …..
Half young carers look after someone with a physical disability
or illness
Almost a third look after someone with a mental illness or substance misuse problem.
Often, there is more than one condition e.g depression and
alcohol misuse. 250 000 UK children live with parental substance misuse.
920 000 have alcoholic parents.
Who they care for …..
Identifying the needs of young carers
Jamie’s story
Children’s Voices
Ian’s story
Consider…
What are the key points in Ian’s story?
When could services have offered support?
Discuss…
How do we safeguard young people who are providing high levels or inappropriate care when they tell us they want to continue in their caring role?
Family Support Worker (substance misuse/mental health)• One to one support• Family support; ensuring services are in place• Training • Group work
North Tyneside Carers’ CentreYoung carers’ project
Young Carers’ Activities Worker Group breaks & clubs Holiday events & activities Targeted small group work
North Tyneside Carers’ CentreYoung carers’ project
Young carers Exceptional Stories (YES) project
New five year project delivered in partnership with YMCA North Tyneside
….to bring about long lasting change for young carers so they can have the same opportunities as other children and young people
Debbie Smart; Young Carers Project ManagerNorth Tyneside Carers’ Centre
3rd floor YMCA buildingChurch Way
North Shields
www.northtynesidecarers.org.uk
Contact details
