Barnardo’s Young Carers Service (Northern and Western Trust Areas)

What is a Young Carer? A Young Carer is someone who has a substantial caring role in the home, they may help look after a parent, sibling or other relative who has a disability, poor physical or mental health or has a dependency on drugs or alcohol. What things might a Young Carer do? Listen to or keep someone company Keep the person they care for safe Help out with personal care Help out with giving medication Provide support and care for siblings Domestic chores like shopping, cooking or housework Translate or use sign language Respond to difficult or unusual behaviour Provide emotional support How can a young person’s life be impacted? With so many adult responsibilities, this can affect the young person’s education, health, friendships, and emotional wellbeing. A Young Carer may: Be stressed or worried Find it hard to concentrate in school Feel tired or ‘low’ Miss out on spending time with family/friends Feel lonely or isolated often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home What does Barnardo’s Young Carers Service do? We aim to help as many young carers as we can. We help them look after their loved ones and give them time to enjoy their childhoods. We aim to equip and empower young carers with the skills, knowledge, and strength to fulfil their caring role but also to enjoy childhood and fulfil their potential. We provide: A listening Ear Individual Support Peer Support Personal Development Programmes Advocacy Advice Signposting Support to find out about the illness or condition affecting your family Fun social activities A say in making changes A safe environment to express concerns or worries Liaise with school so teachers understand the Young Carers situation and can be supportive How do I refer someone to the service? We accept referrals from any source: Social services, schools, GPs, parents, or a Young Carer themselves. Please get in touch on the phone number/email provided and we will arrange to speak on the phone for more information. Please contact YoungCarersServices@barnardos.org.uk. for a referral form Please don’t hesitate to call the number provided for any additional information.

Service details

• Contact person: Eileen Maguire
• Available age groups: 8-18 yrs
• FamilySupportNI categories: Carers
• Areas covered: Antrim | Ballymena | Ballymoney | Coleraine | Cookstown | Derry | Fermanagh | Larne | Limavady | Magherafelt | Moyle | Newtownabbey | Omagh | Strabane
• Referral methods: GP | School | Self | Social Worker

Source: FamilySupportNI listing