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Young Carers

Young carers are children and young people under 18 whose lives are affected in some way by caring for another person.

Young carers support (or help to support) someone who would not be able to stay at home without their help. This might be their mum or dad, their sister or brother, an auntie or uncle or even a grandparent. 

In Wales we know that there are at least 11,000 children and young people under 18 who provide regular or continuing care and emotional support to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances.

A young carer becomes vulnerable when the level of care giving and responsibility becomes excessive for that child. They may struggle to balance their caring role with education, employment and relationships.

The impact of caring

Helping to look after someone is a wonderful thing to do; however, it can have a big impact on the young person’s own life.

These are many ways caring for someone might affect a young person’s life:

  • missing school or not having time to do their homework
  • not going to college or university because they feel they can’t leave home
  • not being able to have friends around
  • not having enough time to enjoy leisure and social activities
  • being bullied at school
  • feeling lonely and cut off from other children and young people
  • not having time to enjoy being young

 

Help is available for young carers

It’s important that young carers are not left to struggle on alone. Visit the Vale Of Glamorgan website to find out what support is available for young carers. Carers Wales also has plenty of information and support available for you.

Always make your school or college aware of your situation as a carer – if they know, they are more likely to be sympathetic if you are sometimes late or can’t always do your homework on time. Young adult carers who are working should tell their employer. In the event of an emergency, all carers have a legal right to (unpaid) leave.

Young carers are entitled to an assessment of their own needs. Social services will find ways to support young carers, including putting them in touch with a young carers support group or arranging a short break.

If the cared-for person is not currently receiving any outside support, contact the local council’s social services to find out what help might be available.  

If you feel overwhelmed or would like to talk to someone, you can contact Samaritans anytime.

 

Vale Young Carers Project YMCA                                  

The young carers project in the Vale of Glamorgan is run by YMCA Cardiff and is currently supporting almost 90 young carers across the County. This project is funded by Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The Young Carers Youth Club at the YMCA Hub, Court Road, Barry, CF63 4EE, is open every Thursday evening during term time.

The young carers’ youth clubs alternate each week between juniors (7 - 11 years old) and seniors (12 -18 years old). Juniors will run between 5pm-6.30pm and seniors between 5pm-7pm.

Juniors will resume on the 18th January 2024; with Seniors starting again on 25th January 2024. 

This club is for only young people who have been referred and accepted onto the Project: 

 

The YCID or Young Carers ID card

YMCA Cardiff in partnership with Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan local authorities, are supporting the Welsh Government funded ID card scheme to help young carers in Wales to be identified, feel validated and receive the support they deserve.

The YCID, or Young Carers ID card, is a simple card to help professionals including doctors, teachers and pharmacists to recognise them and support them appropriately.  All young carers are able to apply for a card through YMCA Cardiff, to do so please visit YMCA Cardiff.

 

Further support

Our friends at Carers Trust can provide tailored guidance, resources and specialist support if you are a young carer. Find out more on their website.

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