Young Carers Service
Gateshead Crossroads Caring for Carers Young Service is working in partnership with MacMillan Cancer Support to support young people under the age of 18 who are caring for someone with cancer.
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Young Carers are children and young people aged under 18 years whose lives are in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility for the care of a family member who is ill, has cancer or a terminal illness, has a disability, is experiencing mental distress or is affected by substance misuse.
Many young carers are caring for a parent, but some may be helping to care for a grandparent, sibling or other relative or friend.
The Young Carers Service aims to:
- Raise awareness of the needs of young carers within families, education, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and the wider community.
- Identify and assess the needs of young carers and their families.
- Assist with the provision of appropriate services to meet these needs.
- Advocate on behalf of young carers in order to make it easier for them to continue to give support to the person they care for.
- Promote the inclusion of Young Carers in the local community.
- Provide support to allow Young Carer to enjoy normal social and educational activities in life.
What services do we offer to young carers?
Gateshead Crossroads Caring for Carers aims to meet the very differing needs of individual young carer, providing a flexible and reactive service.
Ongoing development within the service, such as our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support allows new and exciting projects to be undertaken.
We offer Young Carers the following Services:
- Weekend Activities - Young Carers Activities offer "time-out" to those young carers requiring time away from their caring role. Age appropriate activity groups provide an extensive range of organised trips, events and activities for young carers. Examples of activities include trips to the Discovery Museum, Ice Skating, MetroLand, Cinema, Archery and arts and crafts.
- Small Group Outings - During the week Young Carers are offered the opportunity to participate in smaller group activities. An example of this is a small group outing to a local hotel to use the leisure facilities.
- One to One Support - Young Carers who are experiencing particular difficulties with their caring role or home situation can benefit from the opportunity to talk things through and receive ongoing support from our Key Workers.
- Issue Based Groups - A rolling programme of issue-based activities and workshops are organised and delivered. Topics we have covered include anger management, team work, bullying, friendships and relationships and citizenship.
- Home Tutor Service - We can arrange for older young carers (aged 14 and over) to have home tuition to assist with school work and to help with preparation for examinations.
- "Overnights" - Some young carers have benefited from a complete break away from home by enjoying stays. This experience gives young carers the opportunity to develop good relationships with staff and their peers, raises their self esteem and gives some the chance to have a holiday for the first time.
- Transport - When we are out and about we mainly rely on mini-buses to transport our young carers. They are usually collected and returned to their homes. Although we use mini-bus transport as often as possible there may be times when other travel arrangements are made.
We have a team of staff who work with young carers. This includes a Service Manager, Assessor, Activities Co-ordinator, Key Workers, Activity Workers and Admin Support.
Young Carers Workers undertake an induction training programme and receive on-going training, some of which is mandatory. All staff working with young carers have an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.
You can make a referral yourself by contacting us. We also receive referrals from statutory and voluntary organisations.
Professionals wishing to refer a client download a referral form.
You may wish to contact us first for advice.
Service Leaflets - Under review but coming soon!