According to Census data released in May 2013, 166,363 children in England have caring responsibilities for someone at home. However, this is considered to be “the tip of the iceberg” by the Children’s Society who suggest many more young carers are Hidden from View.  It is more important than ever that children and young people who are struggling with the demands of caring are identified and supported by the adults around them.

The recent proposed changes to the Children and Families Bill also call for a more co-ordinated response to the consideration of the needs of the young carer and their family as a whole.

We often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in order to make sure we are supporting young carers and their families in the best way we can. Strong links with professionals from children's and adult's social care, health, schools and other voluntary agencies allow us to work together to deliver a package of support which appropriately meets the needs of young carers in the borough.

Staff from the Young Carers' Project regularly facilitate awareness-raising sessions with other professionals in order to improve understanding of the needs and issues of young carers locally, as well as to consider best practice in supporting young carers and their families. Please contact us for more information about these sessions, or to arrange for us to visit your team.