Earlier this month, charity Carers First launched a new support service for Young Carers aged 5 to 18 in Southend-on-Sea.
Many young carers can struggle with their mental health and miss school due to the pressures of their caring role. This service offers group activities, events, school support, and assessments for young carers in the area.
Megan Williams, Carers First Team Lead for Southend-On-Sea, explains: “Currently, 27% of young carers aged 11 to 15 miss school because of their caring role. But we believe every young carer deserves the support needed to help them thrive.
“That’s why this new service aims to deliver much needed help for Southend’s Young Carers. We aim to provide young people who are in a caring role with support, the opportunity to have a break from their caring role, and to meet others who are in a similar situation.
“Young carers will have the opportunity to engage with one-to-one support with our young carers team, as well as outings in the school holidays to meet other young carers and take a break from their responsibilities.”
Carers First is engaging with 65 schools in Southend-on-Sea to support young carers in the area.
Young Carers can find out more about how the service can help them at a special open day on Wednesday 19 February from 10am to 4pm at St Michaels & All Angels Church Hall (SS9 1LF). Throughout the day there will be activities, games, and crafts for everyone to enjoy, and refreshments will be provided.
There are also three drop-in sessions scheduled to provide more information on the service and answer questions. These sessions are open to everyone. If you would like to find out more the young carers service, please join us at St Michael & All Angels Church Hall from 4.15 to 5.15 pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 29 January
- Wednesday 5 February
- Wednesday 12 February
For more information on the Young Carers service, and to register as a Young Carer with Carers First, please visit www.carersfirst.org.uk/young-carers.
From the end of February there will be a weekly young carers club for those registered at St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, alternating each week for those aged 5 to 11 and 12 to 18-years-old. Register as a Young Carer with Carers First to find out more.
If you are caring for someone and would like to find out what support Carers First’s groups can offer, please visit our website www.carerfirst.org.uk or call our helpline on 0300 303 1555 available in Medway, Lincolnshire, Essex, Southend-on-Sea and London Boroughs Hackney, Haringey, Waltham Forest, and Merton.
Carers First supports carers face to face in eight regions across the country and provides online support for carers anywhere. Your donations will help us support more carers – you can donate here.