Young Carers

You are not alone! There are well over 175,000 Young Carers in the UK.

The Association of Carers (AoC) would like to help Young Carers in Hastings and Rother between the ages of 7 and 18 to have some time out from caring each week.

So how would you like to go out each week for 3 hours, either during the evening (up until 9.30pm) or at weekends (between 9.30am – 9.30pm) to do an activity of your choice?

or maybe have a study buddy help you with your school home work?  The choice is yours and we are flexible to fit in around your needs and wishes.

This service is completely free and aims to give young Carers a regular break from everyday caring. Our volunteers and staff will support you if you want to be supported. This time is yours to use how you want to: meet up with your mates, go to the cinema, do sports, do your homework or you could even join a youth club. It is up to you!
Why not call us today!

I have always felt my contact with the office staff rewarding, courses very informative and the service provided invaluable.

Sue

Volunteers

Our volunteers are friendly and kind. They give a few hours of their time each week to make a difference to the lives of those who care. Without the kind support of volunteers our organisation would not be able to function.
Volunteering creates many opportunities, from meeting new and like minded people to gaining work experience. We would like you to benefit from volunteering as much as we benefit from you helping us give Carers a well deserved break. We do our best to match Volunteers with like minded clients so that both are happy spending their time together.

How you could help

Young Carers’ Volunteer Befrienders

• Give carers a break each week for 3-4 hours during the evenings or at weekends (between 9.30 am and 9.30pm)
• Are non judgemental with a listening ear and supportive and friendly presence.
• Offer support, companionship to the Young Carer.
• Some volunteers specialise in being a Study Buddy for the Young Carer to help them with homework and course work

All our volunteer Visitors receive basic training in first aid & other useful subjects. We ask all volunteers for character references & to have a CRB Check prior to them joining the AoC. All volunteers’ travelling expenses are reimbursed and our volunteers are over 18. They do not do any nursing/medical or cleaning type tasks

Other useful links

• Carer for the Carers – Young Carers – 01323 738 390 www.cftc.org.uk – Regular clubs and activities for Young Carers across East Sussex includes 1-2-1 support and a newsletter.
• Young Carers.net – 0844 800 4361 www.youngcarers.net Supportive on line community for Young Carers – and advice from qualified youth workers.
• The Children’s Society – 0845 300 1128 www.childrenssociety.org.uk They believe every child deserves a happy life, if you’re not happy they can help.
• Childline – 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk You can talk to Childline about anything 24 hours a day. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone – no problem is too big or too small.
• Kidscape – 08451 205 204 www.kidscape.org.uk -anti bullying advice, help and support.
• Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org 24 hour confidential, non judgmental, emotional support for those feeling distress or despair.

Thank you to our generous Funders for supporting our Young Carers services:

ESCC, LloydsTSB  Foundation England and Wales, Thornton Lodge, Wellington Lodge,  Vera Mison memorial fund, Seaport Engineering, Elaine Copeland and Rush Lake Green’s Coffee and Company and the Adult Social Care team.