Worcestershire Young Carers

This project aims to support children and young people aged between 8 and 18 years who are providing emotional or practical support for an adult member of their family. The project was transferred to YSS in 2003 from Worcestershire Association of Carers and has grown and developed significantly since that time.

The core work of Young Carers' is to provide assessments of young carers needs and provide signposting, guidance and advice to young carers and their families. We provide regular young carers' clubs on a two weekly basis where they can have a break from their caring responsibilities, partake in activities and talk to staff and volunteers about issues of concern. The project also aims to provide regular breaks and activities throughout the year that are fun and safe. A large part of the work the project undertakes is raising the awareness of young carers needs within the county, providing literature and training for other organisations such as schools, GP's, Children’s Services, etc. Over the last three years YSS has developed a project in partnership with Connexions by providing a dedicated worker to support young carers who are struggling to attend school or college due to their caring responsibilities. The work of the Worcestershire Young Carers project is largely shaped and developed by young carers themselves. They help develop strategy annually, partake in regular focus groups and undertake their own projects and in 2004 made their own video which is used as a training aid for professionals and to assist in campaigning on young carers' issues.

The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social Work defines young carers as: 'Children and young people under 18 who provide or intend to provide care, assistance or support to another family member. They carry out, often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility which would be associated with an adult.

The person receiving care is often a parent but can be a sibling, grandparent or other relative who is disabled, has some chronic illness, mental health problem or other condition connected with a need to care, support or supervision.

Factors which influence the extent and nature of young carer's tasks and responsibilities include the illness/disability, family structure, gender, culture, religion, income, and the availability and quality of professional support and services.

Where children and families lack appropriate professional support and adequate income then some young carers experience impaired psycho-social development, including poor educational attendance and performance, and restricted peer networks, friendships and opportunities. These will have implications for their own adulthood. Young carers have rights to an assessment and support under legislation. Specialist projects are one way of meeting their needs.