New grant from Children in Need supports us to continue supporting young carers in Medway
Children in Need have awarded Carers First a total of £98,404 in grant funding to help us to continue to support young carers in Medway. Carers First provides support, advice and respite for young people looking after a loved one.
The 3-year grant will enable us to support young carers (under 18 years) across Medway.
Continuation funding of our full-time young carer support adviser in Medway. Young carers will have access to a dedicated worker who understands their evolving needs and provides personalised support. They will co-ordinate lunch and after school clubs, peer support groups, 1-1 tailored support, whole family interventions alongside positive social activities.
How will Carers First use this funding?
- 18 age-specific face-to-face peer support groups in community venues
- 36 free positive age appropriate digital/face-to-face social activities for 8-12 young carers to venues they choose
- Monthly lunch clubs held in participating schools
- Individual support sessions to develop and implement a young carers personalised support plan
- Whole-family early interventions giving a safe space for families to disclose with us their challenges
- Training sessions e.g. developing confidence, CV writing
- Ongoing signposting/networking to community-based support
Carers First aims for young carers in Medway:
Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for young carers, improve emotional wellbeing of young carers and Increased resilience and coping mechanisms for young carers.
Nikki Brooker, Young Carer and Young Adult Carer Team Lead for Carers First, said: "This vital funding has enabled us to continue to offer a holistic support package to young carers in Medway."
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.