NEWSROOM

The Young Carers Service is a now delivered through a new partnership, which includes Telford & Wrekin Council’s Family Help and Education teams as well as Telford & Wrekin CVS (TWCVS).

The service works with schools and Family Hubs to identify and support young carers and their families, helping children and young people balance caring responsibilities while still having time to learn, grow and enjoy being young.

It can be accessed through the Family Information Service via Family Connect.

Young carers helped shape the relaunched service by sharing their experiences and suggestions. Their feedback highlighted the need for stronger links between schools and support services, helping create a more joined-up approach for families.

The service offers emotional support, opportunities to meet other young carers, fun activities, practical help and advice for families. Its aim is to improve young carers' wellbeing, help them thrive at school and ensure they can enjoy the same opportunities as other children and young people.

Feedback from young carers also highlighted the importance of providing support for the whole family. Through Family Help, families can access advice and support at an early stage, helping address challenges before they become more difficult.

A young carer is a child or young person aged 5 to 17 who helps care for a parent, sibling, grandparent or another family member who may have an illness, disability, mental health condition or substance misuse issue. Many young carers take on responsibilities such as helping with household tasks, providing emotional support or assisting with day-to-day care.

Through the Young Carers Service, children and young people can access activities that help build confidence and resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation, while also connecting with other young carers who understand their experiences.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said: "Being a young carer can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also bring challenges that many children and young people shouldn't have to face on their own.

"That's why I'm so pleased to see the Young Carers Service relaunch with an even stronger focus on supporting young carers and their families. By listening to young carers and acting on their feedback, we've developed a more joined-up approach that makes it easier for children and young people to access the help they need.

"Every young carer deserves the chance to enjoy their childhood, thrive in education, spend time with friends and look forward to the future. This service is here to make sure they feel recognised, supported and valued, while providing practical help for the whole family when it's needed most."

Professionals, family members and members of the public are encouraged to make a referral if they think a child or young person may be a young carer and could benefit from support.

To make a referral, call 01952 385 385 or email familyconnect@telford.gov.uk. 

For more information, visit www.telfordcarers.org.uk or speak to staff at a local Family Hub drop-in session to find out more about the support available.