COUNCIL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR CARERS IN BRIGG AREA & BEYOND

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

This Carers Week (6 to 12 June 2016), we are pledging our support for carers in North Lincolnshire and are raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges that carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities; especially young carers.

We provide support for children and young people (under 18) who provide or plan to provide a level of care regularly for a family member, who is mentally or physically ill, has a disability, drug or alcohol problem.

Currently there are 67 young carers known to the council (this figure changes regularly).

Young carers provide a key role within their family; whether that is cooking, cleaning, offering emotional support or looking after a sibling. The role is very varied and can be challenging at times.

The Young Carers Team provides information, advice and support to young people, this includes providing opportunities to have a break from caring responsibilities and meet other young carers. Activity sessions are offered to young carers, including help with basic skills, empowering young carers in their role, First Aid courses and understanding mental health.

The team also offers support for family members, including the person being cared for in accessing support for their own needs.

With general awareness and understanding of young carers increased, children and young people with caring responsibilities and their families should then be more easily identified and supported.

Josh, a 12 year-old young carer who looks after his parents with emotional health difficulties receives support from the council. Recently the Young Carers Team discussed with him safety planning, what support is available and who to call in a crisis. After the meeting, he said “I feel more confident now as I know what to do and who to call if my parents become unwell. This makes me feel safe and better able to manage these circumstances.”

If you know of a young carer in North Lincolnshire that isn’t receiving support from the Young Carers Team you can contact the service on 01724 407988 or email youngcarers@northlincs.gov.uk.

For more information about Carers Week, visit: www.carersweek.org/.

Coun David Rose, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Learning, said: “We work closely with local schools, colleges and agencies to raise awareness of young carers and to support children and young people in their caring role, as well as offer information and advice on how to identify and support young carers. This Carers Week we are encouraging everyone to pledge their support for carers.

“A large number of children and young people we support tell us they benefit from attending the young carer group sessions we organise as they offer a break from their caring role. It also gives them the chance to meet up with other young carers who have a shared understanding of the impact of being a young carer.

“Young carers do an amazing job caring for and supporting their loved ones, but this can often take away their childhood. Our Wellbeing and Young Carers Team offers support to enable children and young people to live their childhood and ensures that they have the help they need. It gives these children and young people the opportunity to do things they might not have been able to before, such as socialise with friends and take part in different activities.

“If you know of a young carer that doesn’t receive support us please get in touch; we can then look into organising their support. It can make a huge difference to a young carer’s life."