Young carers

At Coventry Young Carers Service we recognise that a child or young person does not necessarily have to provide 'hands on' care, such as domestic chores, laundry etc to be recognised as a young carer. Even when there are services or extended family in place to assist with the care of that person, the emotional impact and restrictions due to the disability are often felt, regardless of the issues at home.

We are here to help you in your role as a young carer and to help you to achieve your future potential. Each young carer will have different problems or issues and we aim to support you as an individual and make sure that you are recognised and supported in your caring role. We also understand that you often feel invisible with no control over the decisions being made about you,your family or the person you care for and that you want to be recognised by professionals as a young person and a carer.

We aim to support young carers and their families within the Coventry area by providing:

• Information and help to access services available to them, i.e. education, health issues,support from social care, youth services etc.
• Advocacy (someone to talk on your behalf) both within your family and liaising with statutory and voluntary sector organisations
• Having a voice and having it heard.
• Opportunities to meet other young carers
• Opportunities to talk to someone in confidence who will listen We achieve this through:
• Individual assessment of your needs
• School holiday activities
• School drop-in sessions
• 1:1 key worker involvement
• Signposting and referral to statutory and voluntary support services.