NCH Bridgend Young Carers Project

About us – our team

Alison is the Young Carer’s Project Co-ordinator

I have been working with the Bridgend Young Carer’s Project for 7 years. I still go to some of the groups although Jane, Carys and Jonny will be taking over more as I take on more of a management role now we have a bigger team!

Jane is the Young Carer’s Support Worker

I have been working with the Bridgend Young Carer’s Project for 3 years. I help to plan, organise and run the trips and activities for the young carers.

Carys is the Young Carer’s Project Worker

I have been working with the Bridgend Young Carer’s Project for 1 year. I help Jane with the young carers groups and assist Alison when completing the young carers assessments and reviews.

Jonny is a Sessional Worker

I help Jane organise and run groups and activities for the young carers. I’m one of the newer ones here and I’m really enjoying it!

Emma is a Volunteer and Sessional Worker

I’m a young adult carer and have been part of the young carers’ project as a young carer since I was fourteen so I know a lot of the young carers in the groups. I should be staring as a sessional worker with the project very soon.

Pat is the Young Carer’s Project Secretary

I deal with the financial side of the project. You may sometimes speak to me on the telephone when you call the office. I’ve been working with the young carers project for over 5 years now!

I deal with the financial side of the project. You may sometimes speak to me on the telephone when you call the office. I’ve been working with the young carers project for over 5 years now!

Who are young carers?

Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who provide significant care to another family member, such as

A parent

A grandparent

A brother or sister

The person they look after may have a physical disability or illness, a learning disability, is misusing drugs or alcohol, has HIV/Aids or is frail.

What do young carers do?

Young carers undertake a range of caring and supportive tasks. Their responsibilities include:

Shopping

Housework

Collecting benefits and paying bills

Helping with medication

Assisting with mobility, lifting, supporting etc.

Cooking and cleaning

Helping with personal care, washing, dressing, feeding and toileting

Reading and explaining letters

Listening to problems

Keeping the person that they care look after company

Reminding the person that they look after about appointments and going with them to appointments.

Caring for brothers and sisters

Referral Process

Anyone can contact the Young Carers Project for information, advice or to refer a young carer for support. If you are a young carer or know someone who is a young carer please contact:

Alison Meredith-Jones,

Young Carers Co-ordinator

NCH Bridgend Young Carers Project

3 & 4 Clos-y-Waun

Brackla

Bridgend

CF31 2QN

Tel No: 01656 766 067

Fax No: 01656 766 960

Mobile: 07921 493 042

Email: bridgend.y.c@nch.org.uk

Alison.meredith@nch.org.uk

You will need to complete the NCH Bridgend Young Carers referral form in order for us to complete a Young Carer’s Assessment of the young person’s needs and caring responsibilities.

What we offer young carers and their families

There are young carer’s groups held at the Carer’s Centre, Brackla Family Centre or Solid Rick Café every Monday and Tuesday of the school term from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Trips and activities are held during the school holidays. There are four groups; younger group, early teen group, and two older groups up to the age of 18 years.

Each group is held fortnightly with 2 or more project workers facilitating a group of approximately 12 young carers. On offer is:

Help, information, advice and support

Someone to talk to who will listen

A chance to meet other young carers at young carers groups.

Promote awareness of the rights and needs of young carers both as children and as carers

The project works closely with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that young carers and their families have access to the support they need.

Enables young carers and their families to receive an assessment of their needs.

Provides one to one support.

Activities include:

Ice skating

First aid courses

Paintballing

Drug and alcohol awareness

Go-karting

Art projects

Arts and crafts

Pamper day

Cinema

Circus skills workshop

Dining out

Drama workshop

Games

Football

Laser Zone

Rugby

Quizzes

Swimming

Bingo

Quad biking

Trips to Oakwood

Gower Heritage Centre

Abseiling and rock climbing

Watersports

Day trips to Bath

Making ‘wishes’ to go on the Christmas tree.

Young Carers Festivals

Playstation and Xbox

Techniquest

Movie nights

Quotes from our young carers and their families

“I like coming because I find it relaxing and fun.”

“I like everyone because they are so friendly and all the trips are really good and fun and Young Carers is really fun.”

“I like young carers its great and it’s a good opportunity to get out and have a break and everyone is so nice and friendly. I would like to go ice skating again I loved ice skating.”

“first aid was really good. I learnt a lot and it could be really helpful”.

“I really enjoyed my trip out with the young carers. Not only was it an opportunity to get out the house and socialise but we all had a great time and it was a really fun day.”

“Thank you very very much for all the things you have done for us.”