A young carer is a child or a young person under the age of 19 years who provides care to another family member who has a physical illness or disability including mental ill health and a sensory disability or has a problematic use of drugs or alcohol.
The care they provide would usually be undertaken by an adult and as a result this has a significant impact on their childhood.
Young carers often do not think of themselves as carers, and may not be recognised as such as by other people like friends, teachers, doctors and other members of the family.
Young carers can be male or female and come from any ethnic background or culture.
All organisations in Warrington who have contact with children and young people are working together to provide services that are co-ordinated and that support all children and young people and help them achieve their potential. These services include children's services, education, health, social care, the youth service and voluntary organisations such as The Princess Royal Trust and the NSPCC.
A specialist service for young carers is provided by the Young and Caring Project (YAC) which is run by Wired carers service. The YAC project offers help to young people by:
- giving information
- 1-1 mentoring
- counselling
- consultation with young carers
- arranging support for families
- emotional support
- group work
- activities
- days out
The YAC project also provide advice and guidance for professionals.
The YAC project can be contacted at:
Wired carers service, The Bungalow, Garven Place, Warrington, WA1 1GP
Telephone: (01925) 644216
Email: wscchildrensadmin@wired.me.uk
A free helpline is also available: 0800 731 6941