Young carers are children and young people who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, or is affected by mental ill-health or substance misuse. Young Carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
In partnership with Vibe, we take a whole family approach to assessing and supporting carers, providing support wherever possible. This may include a trip or activity for peer support or a one-to-one chat with trained workers. We support families to ensure that they receive a full package of help that they require, making sure all the relevant services are involved. This helps to ensure that young carers do not need to take on inappropriate levels of care that could be detrimental to their own health and well-being.
The young carer assessment is child-friendly and easily accessible and incorporates many elements of All About Me. Assessments often provide considerable insight into not only the wishes and feelings of children but also their perceptions, which can improve and inform current support plans.
The service also works alongside schools in Knowsley to promote and identify Young Carers. This involves raising awareness through assemblies, training with teaching staff and through the promotion of the Young Carers Schools Award.
Criteria
- All answers must be YES to meet the criteria for the young person:
- Young person aged between 6-18 years old
- Lives in Knowsley Borough
- Is aware of the referral, and parent/guardian consent has been given
- Cares for a family member (parent/sibling/other relative)
Contact
Email: Knowsley.YoungCarers@knowsley.gov.uk
‘Me Time’ programme - Help for young carers
Knowsley Young Carers can access the 'Me Time' programme, which is a session for local young carers to take a break from caring for family members. The session runs Mondays and Wednesdays from various sites in Knowsley, providing opportunities for young carers to get involved in new and exciting activities such as Camp craft, orienteering, water sports and other outdoor education activities, Cultural trips such as visiting theatres and cinema or taking part in more mainstream sports such as football, netball etc. Or you can just come and chill with your friends and the youth workers and maybe try some generic youth activities.
To get involved, please contact Steven Blackhurst
Phone: 07585 987 447
Email: steven.blackhurst@vibeuk.org
Alternatively – contact Sharon McGinnity
Phone: 07775 221 879
Email: Sharon.mcginnity@vibeuk.org