We are so proud to tell you that Young Carers Connected launches tomorrow, 1st February!
Young Carers Connected (YCC) is a new project working to support Young Carers in Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge. Rising from the ashes of the familiar and hugely popular Bright Futures Upbeat and Carewise, when both projects unfortunately came to an end in the summer of 2021.
YCC is a partnership between TTVS in Bideford, Unite Carers in Mid Devon and Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon (CATNMWD). It is funded for 3 years by the National Lottery for specialist support workers in North ,Mid Devon and Torridge offering carer-specific support to young carers between the ages of 8 up to 25 years.
We are very excited to be working with CATNWMD to offer whole family support. We know that there are several issues that can impact the well-being of the young carer and their family. Working in partnership with Citizens Advice, we are going to offer a range of support services that will look at finances, housing and employment.
Principally YCC offers young carers:
- Assessment - An initial needs-based assessment with regular reviews.
- Support - Every young carer is assigned a support worker with who they can build a strong, trusting relationship from the outset.
- Planning and Mentoring - 1:1 mentoring support accompanied by an Action Plan that is based on individual need. Walk and talk, working face to face throughout the pandemic (where government guidelines allowed).
- Whole Family Support - complimented by our direct access into CATNMWD services, with a dedicated worker to help with issues such as housing, debt, benefits and finances.
- Advocacy - for young carers and attendance at TAF meetings, education meetings and other statutory meetings.
- Access to training, information and advice - through our social media platforms, the website, Facebook page (with a private group for older young carers), newsletter, and monthly thematic Live Chats.
- Ambassadors - The superb Ambassador Project - primarily a group of former young carers themselves who help us to support young people directly through our activities, attendance at Steering Groups and promotional events – their approach based upon their own personal experiences as a young carer.
- Respite Activities – Whilst we receive no specific funding for trips, we intend to offer some excellent outdoor trips and activities during key holidays throughout the year.
We will also work in collaboration with Devon Carers, schools, colleges, SPACE, other local charities and youth groups to promote the identification and needs of young carers. Visiting groups and getting to know young people in these settings.
We rely purely on charitable funding and TTVS are in the process of applying for further funding to allow us to extend our support workers hours, giving help to more young people and enhancing our service with further opportunities.
Referrals and self-referrals are strongly encouraged.
Contact details: Tracy Downs, Project Manager Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.torridgecvs.org.uk/
