“Young Carers are children and young people under the age of 18, who provide care to another family member usually an adult, who has a physical illness/disability; mental ill health; sensory disability; has problematic use of drugs or alcohol
The level of care they provide would usually be undertaken by an adult and as a result of this has a significant impact on their normal childhood.” North West Quality Protects
It is estimated that there are at least 1190 young carers in Bolton (not including those caring for relatives with mental health difficulties/ substance misuse). National data tells us the average age of a young carer is 12 and they provide care for an average of 17 hours a week – some care for up to 7 hours a day. Many young carers care for 4 years before they receive any support. Taking on a caring role can have effects on the young persons life chances for example :
- 25% of young carers miss school or experience educational difficulties
- 77% of young carers reported being bullied in the last 12 months.
- At least 30% of young carers are caring for a parent with mental health difficulties
- 40% of former young carers said their mental health had been directly affected by caring – emotional traumas, depression, low self esteem
In Bolton we want to identify any young person taking on care of a family member and support them through 2 dedicated services these are :
Barnardos Action with Young Carers who will:
- Facilitate access to mainstream services for young carers
- Coordinate services where lead professional is needed or add to an existing lead professional’s planning arrangements
- Deliver direct support to young carers (eg resilience work, advocacy support, arts work, emergency planning)
- Ensure young carers can access breaks from caring, including those which can be facilitated by extended family members
- Raise awareness to enable professionals to identify young carers and listen to what they need
- Mobilise other services to meet the needs of the young carers and their families
- Provide consultation for professionals working with children and young people who are young carers
- Influence local and national service delivery and strategic planning
All aimed at reducing the impact of caring for the young carer
Bolton Lads and
Girls Club
who will:
engage with any young person who has started to take on a caring role supporting access to mainstream activities and opportunities through three main strands:
- Strand One – Initial introduction and access
- Strand Two – Group work to support access and build confidence
- Strand Three – One to one mentor support
The two services work closely together so any one can contact either Barnardos or Bolton Lads and Girls Club and staff will talk through what can be offered.