Site guide
Children and young carers
Are you one of the thousands of children and young people in West Sussex who help care for a relative who has a long-term illness or disability? Children with caring responsibilities are sometimes called 'young carers'.The person you care for may spend a lot of time in hospital, or may be too unwell to go to work or school. They may need a wheelchair to get around or take lots of different medicines to stay as well as they can. They may drink too much alcohol or take illegal drugs that make them act differently.
If this sounds like your family, you are not alone!
Lots of young people want to help out and feel proud that they are lending a hand. But sometimes caring can get you down. Cooking, cleaning, listening, comforting, keeping a watchful eye and generally helping someone to look after themselves may make you feel stressed and really worried. You may have no time for yourself.
Supporting you
Did you know there is a whole team of people here to support you?When you contact us we will:
- invite you to join a group where you can chill out and have fun with other young people who have caring responsibilities;
- invite you to get involved in activities like web design, training, drama and getting your voice heard;
- offer different kinds of support, depending on what you need; and
- help support you to go to a club or football, dance or drama. Or you may prefer to have a day out with your family
Our promise
Through listening to young people with caring responsibilities and their families, education, health and social services in West Sussex have agreed to:- train teachers, social workers, doctors and nurses and others so they have a better understanding about what young people do to care and how it affects them;
- support the person who is cared for so that the children involved don't have to do so much;
- support families creatively - a day out together or time away for the children;
- try to make sure that young people with caring responsibilities get support from all the different adults in their lives.
These are some things young people have told us. Things that really matter to them.
''I worry about mum when I'm at school''
''You need extra love as a carer as you give so much out''
''At home, everyone thinks of my disabled brother first''
''I didn't know it was caring, I thought it was just fun!''
''Before I went to Young Carers I though I was the only one - now I know I'm not!''
Get in touch
You can contact any of us - we'd love to hear from you.Family Resources Team
Cedar House
51 Chesswood Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 2AA
01903 236562
You can also contact West Sussex County Council, who may be able to help:
Tel: 01243 642448