Article: Support for young carers Article Body The Young Carers Project can offer advice and support to children and young people up to the age of 18 who are carrying out significant caring tasks and assuming a level of responsibility for another person that would usually be undertaken by an adult. The Barnsley Young Carers Project is a partnership between Social Care Services and Barnardo's. The overall aim of the project is to ensure that by working across agencies, and with young carers and their families, young carers won't be disadvantaged in accessing educational, social and leisure opportunities. Young people can contact the project directly to ask for support or those working with children and young people can do so on their behalf. Usually children and young people do not want to stop 'caring' but would welcome some extra support to manage the task of being a carer. In recognition of this, the project supports young carers to achieve a balance between their caring responsibilities and their rights to be children and young people. The project works with young carers across the Barnsley area, providing information, advocacy, and access to practical support. Young carers can access the project on a one to one basis, or through a support group, where they will be provided with a break and opportunities to socialise with other young people who understand their situation. The project is keen to ensure that young carers get opportunities to access play and learning in their own areas. The support group is also about helping to give young carers a voice. By working closely with young carers to identify their needs, the project can then begin to raise awareness within agencies (statutory and voluntary) and the wider community, to ensure that young carers access mainstream opportunities and appropriate support. Sibling support A related progject is the Sibling Support Service provided by Barnardo's at the Priory Family Centre. The service provides group support to brothers and sisters (siblings) of disabled children who live in the Barnsley area. Legislation The Children Act 1989 Children Act 2004 Data Protection Act 1998 Human Rights Act 1998 Useful documents Parenting Strategy Young Carers Project Leaflet Young Carers Flyer Related links Barnardo's Children's Society The Young Carers Research Group (YCRG) Young Minds How to contact us Young Carers Barnardo's 11 Churchfields Court Barnsley S70 2JJ Telephone: 01226 298748 Email: barnardosvoices@barnardos.org.uk Open 9am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday Sibling Support Priory Family Centre Priory Campus Pontefract Road Lundwood Barnsley S71 5PN Telephone: 01226 770619 Children's Services Manager Directorate for Children, Young People and Families PO Box 634, Barnsley S70 9GG Telephone: 01226 775811 from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays Email: cypf@barnsley.gov.uk