Young Carer Assessments
By law, all young carers are entitled to a Young Carers Assessment to ensure the right support is in place for their own development whilst balancing the needs of the person they care for. It is important to acknowledge young carers and let them know of their rights, even if they choose not to have a formal Young Carers Assessment. Young Carers so often describe themselves as feeling invisible in their roles. Yet, carers need care too.
We provide a full Young Carer Needs Assessment and a bespoke support plan, depending on need. If a young person is found to require support from the service then our Young Carer Practitioners will work actively to reduce inappropriate caring roles and ensure caring is at a safe and healthy level.
Additional support could include:
- Whole-family support to strengthen relationships
- One-to-one targeted support
- Targeted group work
- Respite breaks during the school holidays
- Help with accessing services
- Information and advice
- Young Carers’ Ambassadors Programme
To make a referral, please refer to our guidance notes and complete a referral form or email rbwm.referrals@family-action.org.uk
Young Carer Friendly Community
We build our community by providing professionals training throughout the year and support external services to achieve the National Young Carers Award scheme. This scheme is open to education, statutory services, healthcare and community services. Those gaining awards demonstrate their commitment to supporting young carers in their setting and working together to build on this commitment and provide additional help, support and signposting for young carers and their families – building a stronger community for young carers. Those wishing to gain Award status are required to:
- Nominate Young Carer Champions within their setting
- Attend our Train the Trainer event, and disseminate their learning to staff teams and young people
- Undertake a self-assessment within their school, organisation or group to identify young carers
- Create a supporting environment within their school, organisation or group, such as providing regular wellbeing groups or drop in services
- Refer Young Carers to Family Action for a young carers assessment and further targeted support, when appropriate
- Attend Family Action training and reflective sessions
If you are concerned about child or family, Family Action are available to provide confidential case consultation, whether you are signed up to the Award Scheme or not.
Useful Resources
Get Involved
- Volunteering: Family Action Young Carers would not be able to provide the level of support we do with out our fantastic team of volunteers. We are always looking for people who are willing to volunteer some time to support the work that we do. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please email rbwm.yc@family-action.org.uk
- Fundraising and donations: We rely on the generosity of the general public to donate and support young carers in need of help across RBWM. A gift, no matter what size, can make a real difference to a carer’s life. If you have any questions about donating, please email fundraising@family-action.org.uk
