Caring for Young Carers; improving identification and support

A young carer is... As young as 5, up to 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, 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) 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 UK children live with parental substance misuse 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’ Centre Young carers’ project Young Carers’ Activities Worker Group breaks & clubs Holiday events & activities Targeted small group work

North Tyneside Carers’ Centre Young 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 Manager North Tyneside Carers’ Centre 3 rd floor YMCA building Church Way North Shields Contact details