1. www.worcestershire.gov.uk Supporting Young Carers Hannah Needham Head of Early Help and Partnerships Worcestershire County Council 1

2. www.worcestershire.gov.uk The journey so far Young Carers – focus for Children’s Services o Continued aim to reduce burden of caring and increase independence and achievements of young carers o Strategic Grant for YSS A high level of recognition and support from elected members o No reduction in level of funding at time of extreme financial pressure 2014-15 joining up our approach to supporting young carers up to 25years old o Single contract relationship with existing provider (YSS) under one commissioning manager 2

3. www.worcestershire.gov.uk Moving forward – what next ‘Think Family’ – whole family approach to needs and support Responding to implications of Care Bill and Children & Families Act o Eligibility to an assessment for all young carers – explore the use of our early help assessment Join up and co-ordinate resources that can contribute to meeting the needs of young carers o Early Help Services, Stronger Families, Positive Activities 3

4. www.worcestershire.gov.uk Moving forward – what next Effective participation and engagement of young carers to inform service development – Starts today! Continue to raise awareness / identification and referral From September 2014 o E-Learning package to be rolled out to a wide range of practitioners and stakeholders o Young Carers in Schools Award – negotiating to be a pilot o Commission support for Young Carers from 2015-16 4

5. www.worcestershire.gov.uk Summary 5 Continued priority and ongoing support Joining up our approach – ‘Think Family’ Raising awareness across all of the sector Working with Young Carers to help design future services