Supporting young carers in Newport
Posted on Monday 14th March 2022
The pandemic has brought many challenges to millions of unpaid carers of all ages and the council’s teams have ensured that support is made available and carers know where to turn to for support. This includes supporting young carers who have had to juggle their caring responsibilities with their school work and social life.
A young carer is anyone aged between 8 and 25 who helps to look after a family member with a physical illness, disability, or who struggles with poor mental health or substance misuse. The work of many young carers in supporting relatives often goes unnoticed, despite the impact it can have on their education, mental health and social life.
The Newport Young Carers Service, delivered by Barnardo’s, offers one to one support, as well as running groups and activities where young carers can enjoy some time out, meet other young carers and have some fun.
Councillor Paul Cockeram, cabinet member for social services said: “This year’s Young Carers Action Day, which takes place on 16 March, will see the launch of the latest Newport Young Carers Offer which has been brought in line with the offer for unpaid adult carers in Newport.
“Together, these offers will set out the services and support available for unpaid carers of all ages across the city. This will include access to a carers assessment, information and advice, carer grants, social support, wellbeing advice and opportunities for carer breaks.”
For further information on the support available to unpaid carers visit newport.gov.uk/carers and www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/young-carers