Young Carers are children and young people under 18 who provide or intend to provide care for another person of any age, except where that care is paid for or carried out as voluntary work.
Young Carers can face many challenges because of their caring role. They can be forced to grow up early and miss out on the same opportunities as their peers because they care for family members who are disabled, chronically ill, or for adults who are experiencing problems with poor mental health, drugs or alcohol.
The level of support a Young Carer offers can vary, with common jobs including:
- Practical tasks, such as cooking, cleaning and shopping
- Physical care, such as helping someone move around
- Emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed
- Personal care, such as helping someone dress
- Managing household budgets and appointments
- Collecting prescriptions and helping to give medicine
- Looking after brothers and sisters
Young Carers often miss school because of their caring responsibilities at home which can have a negative impact on their future plans. They are also at an increased risk of mental health problems because of the added pressure to their lives. Commonly, Young Carers are caring for relatives without teachers and other professionals knowing.
The Children Act 1989 and the Children and Families Act 2014 give local councils and their partners the duty to take reasonable steps to identify young carers, to assess the impact of their caring responsibilities on the appearance of need, that is without a request having to be made, and to consider the impact of caring on that child or young person.
Where Young Carers have needs which require support, local councils and partners have to provide support directly to the Young Carer or demonstrate that the cared for person's assessment has provided adequate care and support to prevent the Young Carer from providing inappropriate levels of care.
Inappropriate levels of care could mean that a Young Carer is at risk of harm.
The tools in 'Downloads' to the right of the page can help professionals to identify Young Carers and ensure that are appropriately supported.
Support for Young Carers
Current Virtual Offer for Young Carers (i.e., Zoom Groups)
MONDAY ZOOM GROUP (JUNIORS) AGES: 6-11 years
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| Every Monday at 4:30 -5:30 pm (term time only) QUIZZES & GAMES e.g., SCAVENGER HUNT, SPIN THE WHEEL, ACTIVITIES & MORE DOWNLOAD AND RETURN PRIMARY NOMINATION FORM to E Newton: www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-children/early-help/young-carers
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WEDNESDAY ZOOM GROUP (JUNIORS) AGES: 6-11 years
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Every Wednesday at 4:30 -5:30 pm (term time only) QUIZZES & GAMES e.g., SCAVENGER HUNT, SPIN THE WHEEL, ACTIVITIES & MORE DOWNLOAD AND RETURN PRIMARY NOMINATION FORM to E Newton: www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-children/early-help/young-carers
PLEASE NOTE – Referral Eligibility - 5 year olds - if deemed mature enough to cope with a virtual group format.
- Up to 12 year olds - if it is felt they would cope better in the younger group than the older one.
Please contact Emma Newton to discuss on a case by case basis.
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WEDNESDAY ZOOM GROUP AGES: 11-16 years
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Every Wednesday at 5:00-6:00 pm (term time only) QUIZZES & GAMES, CHAT & SOCIALISE DOWNLOAD AND RETURN SECONDARY NOMINATION FORM to E Newton: www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-children/early-help/young-carers
Delivered by the Youth Work Team
PLEASE NOTE - Referral Eligibility
Can accept 17-19 year olds. However, we would encourage a referral to Carers Wakefield who deliver support to Young Adults Carers from 17-25 years old.
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BODY MIND - BOXING MINDFULNESS ZOOM AGES: 6-11 years
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NEW 12 week programme (running until March 30th) Every TUESDAY 4:00 – 4:30 pm - kick off at 4 so please tune in 5 mins before 20 MINS HIGH INTENSITY BOXERCISE + 10 MINS GUIDED MINDFULNESS ACTIVITY To Refer: Send the following info to E Newton emmanewton@wakefield.gov.uk Delivered by Mindful Peak Performance
PLEASE NOTE - Referral Eligibility This group is only for Young Carers. This group runs until March 30th 2021.
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BODY MIND - BOXING MINDFULNESS ZOOM AGES: 12-18 years
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For more information on what a 'Young Carer' is and what support is available for Young Carers in Wakefield contact the Young Carers
Early Help Lead Practitioner - Emma Newton
Mobile: 07500 911 387
emmanewton@wakefield.gov.uk