Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg

Young Carers

A Young Carer is defined as someone under 18 who provides care on an unpaid basis for another person. The person they look after may be a parent, a brother or sister, a grandparent or other relative.

They may provide practical or physical care, help with personal care, and help with domestic tasks and/or emotional support. 

 

There are an estimated 800,000 young carers in the UK and a 2013 survey in the Vale of Glamorgan indicated that 1 in 12 (8%) of pupils in primary or secondary school could be young carers. More recently, Schools Health Research Network (SHRN) states that 16% adolescents, or approximately 1 in 6, self-identifying as having a caring responsibility.

 

The Estyn Thematic Review report published in May 2019 evaluates the quality of provision made for young carers in secondary schools, Pupil Referral Units and colleges in Wales. It identifies strategies to support providers in improving provision and outcomes for young carers.

  

Young carers face serious caring responsibilities, in addition to the daily tasks they complete for their parents such as housework, cooking and bathing, they live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from

schoolmates.

 

Carers Assessment

Young carers can request an assessment, an assessment gives you a chance to talk to someone about what support might make caring easier.

 

Young Carer Assessment

 

YMCA-logo

Vale Young Carers Project                                   

The young carers project in the Vale of Glamorgan has been run by the YMCA and is currently supporting almost 55 young carers across the County. This project is funded by Vale of Glamorgan Council.

 

The Youth Club at the Hub, Barry YMCA is open every Wednesday from 6.30pm – 8.30pm during term time and is specifically for young carers between 13 - 18 years of age.

 

The Youth Club at the Hub, Barry YMCA is open every Friday during term time at 10.00am - 12.00pm and is aimed at young carers between 10 - 12 years of age.

 

Both these clubs are for only young people who have been accepted onto the project. 

 

The young carers that attend join in with activities such as: arts and crafts, games, dance workshops, media workshops, life skill sessions, school help etc. 

 

NEW!! YMCA Young Adult Carers 'Time for More’ Project

The ‘Time for More’ project is a project that is currently being piloted to support young adult carers across Cardiff and the Vale. Young Adult Carers aged 18-25 years old can be referred onto the project by anybody.

 

Young Adult Carers can access support with respite, further education and employment. We work both 1-2-1 and in group sessions and look forward to hearing from you.

  • 07966 834506
  • owain.dexter@ymcacardiff.wales

Cardiff and Vale Young Carers Club - Every Saturday, 10.00am and 1.00pm

New Pavilion Centre in Dumballs Road, Butetown, Cardiff, CF10 5FE

Club for young carers. All are welcome.  

  • 07831 289907

Barry Comprehensive School is first in Wales to receive Young Carers in Schools Programme Award

Advice and Guidance

Advice and guidance for young carers, young adult carers and professionals across the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

 

Newcastle Carers Short Film

A short film highlighting the needs of Young Adult Carers aged 18-25, looking after someone, unpaid, who has a long-term illness, disability, mental health illness or addiction.