Carers Link Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Registered Charity No 1088904

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YOUNG CARERS SUPPORT We have a dedicated Young Carers Project to provide help and support to young carers who live in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley. ‘You are a Young Carer if you are under 18 years of age and are significantly affected by caring for a person with a long term illness or disability, including mental illness and substance misuse’. Definition: Lancashire County Council. We offer Young Carers information, support and opportunities for ‘time out’ from their caring responsibilities.  We also offer the chance to meet with other young people in a similar situation.  How much you get involved is up to you! HOW TO GET INVOLVED Young Carers Self Referral: Young Carers can refer themselves to the project and will be treated in strictest confidence; however we do need consent from the parent or legal guardian.  We are also happy for the young person’s family to refer to the service directly. Professionals/agency referrals: All referrals made by professionals must be with the consent of the young person’s parent or legal guardian. Referrals can be made using the attached referral form, and sending it direct to the Young Carers Service.  In all cases the referring agency will be kept informed of the outcome of the initial assessment. REFERRAL PROCESS Project staff will contact the family and arrange an initial visit.  Date, time and venue will be appropriate to families needs, and is usually at their home, however if this is not appropriate for any reason other arrangements can be made. We will then arrange to meet with the young person in school.  At the initial visit information about the Young Carers Service will be given to the family, and details of the caring situation and background information will be sought. Information gathered at this meeting will help us come to a decision as to whether or not they are Young Carers. After the initial assessment is made the family will be notified if they qualify to join the Young Carers Service. It is helpful if all referrals are made on the referral form and returned to: Young Carers Service Carers Link 23 King Street Accrington BB5 1PR Email: youngcarers@carerslink.net Telephone:   01254 387666 Fax:             01254 385383 Click here to download our Young Carer referral form. If you have any queries please feel free to contact Neil Worsley or Carole Moulton on the above number. NEWSLETTER Every Young Carer registered with us on our database automatically receives our free newsletter.  It is packed full of information specific to Young Carers, gives details of all our trips and events plus lots more. Previous Newsletters: Spring 2011 Winter 2010 Autumn 2010 USEFUL WEBSITES You may find the following websites helpful if you are a Young Carer. www.youngcarers.net National website for Young Carers. Weekly chat line, support from qualified youth workers, other Young Carers stories, information on different medical conditions, help on school work and dealing with being a Young Carer. www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/young A site that tells you about being a Young Carer, other people’s stories, clear information on illnesses, help finding services in your area, help with homework, information on your right, advice on money and socializing. www.youngcarer.com A site to help find a local Young Carers project, get information on school, being heard and health matters.

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