Supporting Young Carers

We run respite groups in Norwich to support young carers aged between 5 and 18 who are caring for a family member who has:

  • A physical disability
  • A long-term physical illness
  • A sensory impairment
  • A mental health problem
  • A learning difficulty
  • Drug or alcohol misuse problems

Caring can mean giving someone practical help, like helping a parent to get dressed, but it can also be in the form of emotional support, for example, caring for someone with mental health problems. These extra responsibilities for young people mean that sometimes they miss out on social opportunities and feel isolated by their situation.

Our groups give young people a chance to socialise with other young carers on a regular basis, have fun, learn new skills and benefit from the support and guidance of Support Workers. We provide age specific young carers groups for children aged 5 to 18 years at 2 locations in Norwich and aim to remove barriers that may be limiting young people from reaching their potential, giving them a space to be themselves and to grow in confidence.

If you are a young carer or know of a young carer, then please fill in the Young Carers Referral Form and return it to us at info@norfolkfamilycarers.org or contact us on 01603 219924.

Waiting Lists

At times we do experience high demand for our young carers groups so there may be a waiting list to join the group. We are currently accepting referrals for all our groups and will let you know if there is a waiting list at the point of referral.

Safeguarding

We take the safety of children and young people very seriously and are members of the Safer Programme which forms part of the Norfolk Children Safeguarding Partnership.

We have a Child Safeguarding Policy which you can access via the link below.

Policy – Safeguarding Child Safeguarding

All our staff, trustees and volunteers have undertaken current and appropriate safeguarding training delivered by the Safer Programme and are DBS checked.

TESTIMONIALS

Some feedback received in 2022 from parent/carers:

“I just wanted to say a big thank you again for the group. It really does mean a lot. She was so happy getting back and telling me all about it tonight. We never take it for granted. It is really important support for us and I just wanted to thank you all again for everything you do.” – Mum

“I have donated £30 to Young Carers, I only wish it could be more.  E has grown so much in confidence since she has been attending your group.” – Grandma

“She really loves group, she comes home from school so excited and gets changed straight away and waits for the taxi ” – Mum

“He is really enjoying the sessions and he told my mum yesterday that he doesn’t mind putting up with his brother’s challenging behaviour knowing he gets to attend group!” – Mum

“Just wanted to say I just picked R up and she has told me really fast about how much fun she has had, and her words were “I had a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, good time, it was soooo fun!” I haven’t seen her so lively and happy for ages. Thanks you so much.” – Mum

“Thank you again for the support you are providing. T is really enjoying young carers and it is giving her something to look forward to when everything else right now is very difficult for her.” – Mum

Comments from our young carers:

“I don’t want to go home already, I am having too much fun” – Tafara

“I am so glad I came to young carers today, I am so happy” – Ilenia

“I always look forward to coming to group” – Angel

“ I love young carers and I love the food” – Temperance

“I don’t want to leave I want to stay here for ever because its great here” – Tanzilah

“This is the best place ever” – Amelia

CONTACT US

Please call us on 01603 219924 or email us on info@norfolkfamilycarers.org to find out more about any of our services or how we might be able to help you

 

Our Young Carers Project is funded through charitable grants and donations.

We are pleased to be supported over the next 12 months by
Norwich Freemen’s Charity and Norwich Consolidated Charities