NAOMI SYKES 0115 9629335 n.sykes@carersfederation.co.uk

Funded by Children in Need Working with young carers aged 15-18 years in Nottingham City, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Broxtowe to support the transition to adulthood, increasing their confidence, skills and independence Offering 1-1 mentoring Providing Advocacy, Advice and Signposting Opportunities to access group activities

Why do we need a service for this age group? Office for National Statistics figures from 2013 suggest there are 149,000 young carers aged between 15 and 19 This is a time of transition for young people when they are making decisions about their future

How does caring impact a young person? Reduced aspirations – lower academic achievement, poor school/college attendance, lack of time/opportunity to dedicate to coursework, lack of focus/attention, higher drop-out rates Increased social isolation – lack of opportunity to participate in activities and build relationships with peers, bullying and stigma Emotional health and well-being – low confidence and self-esteem, stress, depression and anxiety

Increased Aspirations Providing an opportunity for young carers to focus on their personal goals Helping young carers identify their skills Supporting young carers to manage their school/college work Helping young carers identify options and opportunities Developing young carers employability skills Building young carers confidence through volunteer opportunities/support to travel independently to and from college

Reducing Isolation Supporting young carers to identify interests and opportunities Providing opportunities to access group activities and meet other young carers Identifying volunteer opportunities and supporting engagement Building supportive relationships with young carers to discuss issues and concerns

Improving Emotional Health and Well-being Encouraging young carers to focus on their own needs and identify personal goals Developing strategies and skills to improve confidence and self-esteem, and manage stress and anxiety Providing opportunities for young carers engage in activities and develop positive relationships

ONE TO ONE MENTORING 1-1 support with a trained volunteer mentor Focus on personal transitional goals Developing skills, building confidence, and becoming more independent

GROUP ACTIVITIES In partnership with AYC, offering activities such as games nights, art activities, cooking, visits to other young people’s services, drama and sports activities Participation in development and awareness-raising projects such as Positive Career Choices pilot and Future Pulse Opportunities to experience new things, develop skills, and build positive support networks

WORKING WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS Awareness-raising and training to staff and young people in colleges Advocating for young carers and supporting them to have their voices heard Working with the Learning and Work Institute developing careers advice resources tailored to meet young carers needs

I feel I can do anything I would like and there is nothing stopping me I AM NOW A LOT MORE SOCIABLE AND HAVEVOLUNTEERED AT CARARES FED I CAN SEE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IN THE FUTURE, BOTH COLLEGE-WISE AND SOCIAL-WISE I have somehow managed to face all difficulties and achieve good grades .. I have managed to keep my stress levels down and be more organised (MENTORING) HAS HELPED ME OUT OF SOMETHING I NEVER THOUGHT I COULD COME OUT OF

THANK-YOU