Young Devon and Bright Futures
Some children become young carers as early as five years old and become so used to the way of life that they may not realise that they are missing out on childhood experiences and opportunities. 'Young Devon' and 'Bright Futures' are both working to improve the lives of young carers and young adult carers in Devon.
Young carers (aged 5-18) and young adult carers (aged 18-24) help look after a relative with a condition, such as a disability, an illness, a mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem. In some cases this may only require a few occasional hours but in many instances these carers commit a large proportion of their time to looking after the needs of their relative as well as performing household tasks.
The 'Young Devon' charity provides respite trips for 325 young carers in West Devon and the South Hams; the carers range in age from five to eighteen. While the Bright Futures project, run by TTVS, Unite and Westbank, provides support across Devon for young adult carers aged 18-24, as well as organising mentors for young carers aged 14-17.
Jessica Lacey is a transition worker with the Bright Futures project in West Devon and the South Hams and provides one-to-one support for young adult carers to help them cope with the challenges they face on leaving school, such as finding work and accessing training or further education. Many young adult carers have already spent a number of childhood years caring for a relative and although they may have become extremely mature and capable in terms of dealing with the practical issues associated with their relative's condition, their own education and social development have often suffered in the process. Jessica assesses the needs of each carer on an individual basis and offers practical advice on services and funding available, guidance on physical and emotional well-being, as well as opportunities to develop life-skills such as first-aid, budgeting and writing a CV.
Another important part of her role involves organising regular peer support groups where young adult carers can meet up with other young people in a similar position and enjoy a well-earned break from caring, to take part in a social activity such as a trip to Woodlands or the Young Carers Festival at the end of June.
Jessica's work with the 'Bright Futures' project also involves recruiting, training and supervising volunteer mentors to engage with young carers aged 14-17. Volunteers and carers are carefully matched according to personality, interests and location and then they spend time together doing a range of social, leisure and educational activities such as bowling, going to a cafe, pursuing a hobby or just chatting about a topic of mutual interest. Volunteers fulfil a very valuable role by spending 3 or 4 hours every fortnight with one young carer, with the aim of developing a supportive relationship with the young person and helping them move their life forward, perhaps through further education, employment or training.
Bright Futures and Young Devon work closely with schools, children's social care services and GPs to identify young carers and offer them appropriate support when they need it. Their valuable work helps redress the balance for the young people they support and allows them to enjoy some of the opportunities and activities available to most young people of their age group.
Both Bright Futures and Young Devon are looking for volunteers to help them with their work so if you think you could spare some time please get in touch. Also if you know of someone or think you may be a carer yourself and entitled to support then please contact Katherine (carers under 18 years) or Jessica (carers 18-25 years) using the contact details below.
Young Devon needs volunteers who can spare a couple of hours to help with after-school groups in Tavistock and Okehampton, or accompany day trips to the zoo or an activity centre. If you can spare a few hours each month and would like to get involved please call Katherine Mullan, project manager at Young Devon, on 01752 698402 or email katherine.mullan@youngdevon.org
If you have the ability to empathise with young people and their aspirations, and would like to help by becoming a volunteer mentor then please call Jessica Lacey, transition worker with the Bright Futures project, on 01752 698402 or 07494 421036 or email jessica@carewise.org.uk. Full training will be provided and all expenses will be reimbursed.