Supporting young carers (Contributed – Towersey Newsletter March 2010)

YOUNG Carers are children and young people up to 25 years of age who are regularly providing care and support to members of their family (including siblings) who have a physical disability, mental health problems or misuse drugs and/or alcohol. The impact and difficulties that this vulnerable group face both at home and at school while carrying out their caring role have been highlighted.

Jane Harrison, the school counsellor from Lord Williams’ school, in Thame, has been very pro-active in setting up groups for young carers in both the Lower and Upper schools. This enables the young people to meet together regularly to support each other and Jane has also arranged trips/outings to provide some time-out but more funding is needed for this to continue.

Thame Rotary Club has agreed to help raise funds over the coming months so that these groups and trips may carry on to give these young carers the breaks that they deserve.

If you would like to help in any way contact Sarah or Mich on 01235 512 212, Text 07890 744 762 or e-mail carers@svcarers.org.uk

BACKGROUND

The South & Vale Young Carers Project (based in Didcot) have been supporting young carers in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of the White Horse for the past 14 years have provided respite in the form of trips, one to one support, mentoring and information on accessing help from other services. A development worker has been working with schools and other professional bodies particularly within health and education to help raise awareness and identify young carers in this area.