Young Carers under the age of 16 should have their caring needs addressed under the Children’s Act 1989. Young Carers over the age of 16 may be assessed under the Carers & Disabled Children’s Act 2000.
Young Carers are young people between 4 and 18 years whose lives are in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility or care for someone in their family with long-term illness, disability, mental health issues, an alcohol/substance misuse problem or HIV.
Young Carers can be particularly vulnerable and in need of specialist support and advice. Bromley Social Services works in partnership with Young Carers Bromley to ensure that they receive the help they need.
Young Carers Bromley can provide:
- After-school and holiday activities
- one-to-one key worker support
- regular newsletter and information on services and opportunities open to young carers
- Young Carers Forum
- freephone Helpline service
- specific information sessions and workshops
- mentoring support.
Addressing the needs of Young Carers is a priority for the Children and Young People's Trust under the Children and Young People's Plan "Every Child Matters in Bromley".
Support and advice is available from the social worker of the person for whom you care or alternatively you can contact Carers Bromley who have a team which focuses on support for Young Carers.