A charity at the heart of our community, supporting and inspiring people to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
A charity at the heart of our community, supporting and inspiring people to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
If you're under 18 and looking after a family member or friend who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol, get in touch to find out what kind of help you and your family can get.
To find out what help you can get, email gateway@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.
A trained person from the council or an organisation they work with will chat to you and your parents about whether you want to carry on being a carer and how caring affects things like:
If you're eligible for their help they will agree with you what support you need and how your needs will be met.
The person you're caring for might be able to get help from Plymouth City Council instead of relying on you to care for them.
Local
Support for Young Carers
In Plymouth there are three services providing direct support to Young Carers and their families. These are provided by Plymouth City Council, Barnardo’s and Hamoaze and are collectively known as Time 4U. The purpose of this is to streamline existing services, reduce duplication, combine and utilise skills and experience and ensure even more children, young people and families benefit from a service.
With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being ‘different’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. They are often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.
The referral process for all three services will be through the Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT) with representatives from all three organisations assessing referrals.
The most appropriate service within Time 4U will then be allocated to best meet the needs of the child, young person and/or family.
Fun
and freedom club
Make friends with other young carers at the fun and freedom club. The club meets one Saturday a month during term time and once a week during school holidays. They also organise trips and activity weekends. Joining the club is free.