New young carer service launches with free half-term events

Young carers in Wolverhampton can find out more about the support available to them from a new service at one of two events taking place this half-term.

Help and guidance for young carers aged between five and 18 is now provided by Wolverhampton Carer Support Team following the launch of the city's all-age carer support service recently.

And young carers are invited to meet the team at a free bowling session at Hollywood Bowl, Bentley Bridge, on Wednesday 1 November from 11.30am-1.30pm including refreshments, or a catch up over Zoom on Thursday 2 November at 11am.

Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Hundreds of young people in Wolverhampton care for a relative, taking on practical or emotional responsibilities that many of us can only imagine. It's important that we never forget or underestimate the huge difference they make to people's lives.

"Clearly this can be an incredibly difficult role for a young person to take on, and that's why we are determined to provide them with the help and support they need to succeed.

"The development of an all-age carer service was identified following consultation with carers last December, and our Carer Support Team officially began supporting young carers earlier this month.

"Next week's events are a great chance for young carers and their families to speak to other people who are in the same situation as they are, and to meet members of our Carer Support Team and discuss what sort of help and support they would like to receive from the team.”

To find out more, and to book your place at either or both events next week, please call Charley Bond at the Carer Support Team on 01902 553409 or email wolverhamptonyoungcarers@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Councillor Burden added: "This is just the start; we are committed to co-producing a new offer for our young carers with them and are looking at setting up regular events going forward, including a monthly young carers group where they will be able to enjoy a range of crafting activities and games."

The Carer Support Team has been helping families in Wolverhampton for over 20 years, providing practical information, advice and guidance, Carer's Assessments, benefits advice, emotional support, training and more. For further information, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/carers.

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support for a relative, friend or neighbour who has a mental health need, learning disability, physical and sensory disability or is an older, vulnerable person.