Young Carers

The Young Carers Project can offer advice and support to children and young people under the age of 18 (or over if they are still in full time education) 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 NCH Barnsley Family Support Services. NCH have a number of similar projects across the UK, working with young carers and their families. 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.

Helplines

Young Carers Project, NCH Barnsley Family Support Services, 161, Wilthorpe Road, Wilthorpe, Barnsley, S75 1JQ

For more information about the Young Carers Project or to make a referral contact one of the team members:

• Tracy Dean - Senior Project Worker
• Rebecca Hawley & Kerry Sheldon Project Workers
• Sarah Jackson Administration Support

The above officers can be contacted on (01226) 282318 between 9.00am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday. At all other times an answer machine is in operation.

A leaflet detailing the project's role and useful contacts is also available via project workers at the above address.

Mick Tinch
Children's Services Manager
Wellington House, 36 Wellington Street, Barnsley S70 1WA
Telephone: 01226775811
Email: micktinch@barnsley.gov.uk

Legislation

The Children Act 1989
Data Protection Act 1989
Human Rights Act 1998
Children Act 2004 

Related Links:

• Childrens Society
• The Young Carers Research Group (YCRG)
• Young Minds
• Barnardos