If there is a Young Carer in your family, or you know a young person under the age of 18 who is regularly looking after a parent, grandparent or sibling who cannot manage without their support, we’re here to help. We offer tailored support for the whole family, addressing the practical and emotional needs of the young carer, the person they are caring for and other family members.
Young Carers can find information just for them on our dedicated Young Carers website and by following us on Instagram.
1:1 Support
Our friendly and knowledgeable team can visit your family in your home or a place of your choice to discuss your situation and offer personalised support with:
- Understanding and navigating your way through local services
- Understanding your family’s rights
- Accessing entitlements, assessments or grants
- Arranging benefits, housing and adaptations
- Support for the young carer and their siblings around school or college
- Information about local activities and groups for the young carer and the person (or people) that they care for
Our Advisors are trained to provide listening and emotional support and many have personal experience of caring. They can connect you to local support from our partners or from other organisations.
Mentoring for Young Carers
Our experienced Young Carers Support Workers and Youth Workers can work with young carers at home, school or in a group setting, as part of a 3-6 month targeted support programme, to:
- Help build confidence and self-esteem
- Offer guidance, identifying and resolving issues
- Provide emotional and motivational support
- Connect with other young carers for peer support and positive activities
Within our 3-6 month targeted support programme, young carers can access opportunities to get together with their peers through local monthly group sessions. There will be separate group sessions for primary (ages 5-11) and secondary (ages 11-18) age groups and will offer age appropriate focus on:
- Life Skills e.g. eating well, nutrition and cooking and managing money
- Social Development e.g. developing friendships, setting goals and planning for the future
- Fun and Play e.g. music, arts, crafts and games
- Wellbeing e.g. promoting self-care and building self-esteem and confidence
Transition and Needs Assessments
All Young Carers (under 18) and Young Adult Carers (16+) have the right to an assessment of their help and support needs from Norfolk County Council. In addition, Young Carers approaching adulthood are entitled to a transition assessment.
Our team can offer support with transition planning for older young carers (14+) and young adult carers and their families exploring education and training opportunities and connecting them to specialist information, advice and guidance as required. We will help young carers and their families to access local youth activities and young carers support groups for ongoing support if required.
Education and Training
Young carers and their families can find a wealth of learning and training resources and information in our easy-to navigate Self Help Hub. From short YouTube clips and podcasts through to more advanced on-line courses, there is something for every family member to help care with confidence and look after their own wellbeing. Topics include:
- Caring Basics
- Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
- Nutrition and Diet
- Carers’ Rights
- First Aid and Condition Specific Information (e.g. Autism)
Carers Voice
We work closely with Norfolk Young Carers Forum and Carers Voice to ensure that Young Carers and Families have a voice in shaping our services and on issues affecting them. Get in touch to find out more.
Our Partners
The Young Carers and Families Support Service is funded by Norfolk County Council Children’s Services and is delivered by Carers Matter Norfolk in partnership with the following local youth and young carers organisations.
