Young Carers Project
“Give us a Break” –
Young Carers Project
The “Give us a Break” Young Carers project, funded by the Big Lottery, started in July 2010 and complements the existing Crossroads young carers project.
We work with young carers aged from 7 to 25 years of age in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, with the emphasis on the needs of young adult carers aged between 18 and 25.
Our project works closely with other local Young Carers projects and other agencies and organisations in the area.
Who is a young carer?
A young carer is someone who helps look after a family member who has a long term illness, disability, a mental health problem or issues related to drugs or alcohol. A young carer (or young adult carer) may be caring for a parent, grandparent or sibling or a partner or disabled child. Tasks may include shopping, cooking, helping with personal care, feeding or giving emotional support.
Why do we need a young carers project?
Although caring can have a lot of positive aspects, it can also mean that the young carer misses out on a social life, finds that their school work is affected or they may become tired or stressed. We recognise that young carers need a break and quality time away in order to support them in their caring role.
What does the project offer?
We offer a range of activities and workshops which give young carers a break from caring, a chance to meet other young people with similar responsibilities, opportunities to increase self-esteem and independence, recognition and support of their role as a young carer and a chance to have their voice heard.
Young Adult Carers
We recognise that when a young carer reaches adulthood, their caring role does not necessarily cease. In fact, they may face additional difficulties in trying to juggle education, training or employment with their home life and their caring role while becoming more independent.
We aim to address some of these disadvantages by providing, for example:
· Help in accessing education, training or employment
· Activities and workshops
· Respite care
· One to one support
· Information
· Courses e.g. Looking after Me (see below)
· Signposting to other agencies and resources
If you would like more information or feel that you would benefit from this service please contact Shan Parfitt, Young Carers Project Manager:
Phone: 02920 577300
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Looking After Me
Crossroads (Cardiff and the Vale) and the Expert Patient Programme are running a 6 week course for Young Adult Carers between the ages of 18 and 25. Running between Wednesday 14th September and Wednesday 19th October 2011 in Canton, Cardiff.
The course consists of 6 sessions, each one lasting 2 and a half hours, and covers topics such as:
· Relaxation techniques
· Dealing with tiredness
· Exercise
· Eating healthily
· Coping with depression
· Communication with family, friends and professionals
· Planning for the future
Dates: Wednesdays:- 14th September, 21st September, 28th September, 5th October, 12th October, 19th October.
Time: 6pm- 9 pm.
Place: Canton, Cardiff (venue to be arranged).
These courses are free of charge and will include food.
For more information, or to book a place, please contact:
Carol Young:
02920 350620 or email carol.young@wales.nhs.uk
Shan Parfitt:
02920 577300 or email sparfitt@cardiffvalecrossroads.org.uk
Young Carers Project: Our Story