Connecting Young Carers with support, guidance and respite

A brand new Young Carers project has been launched to support this often-overlooked group of incredible young people in Torridge, North and Mid Devon.Â

‘Young Carers Connected’ has taken the place of Bright Futures and Carewise. The project has acquired three years of funding from the National Lottery, giving them every opportunity to succeed. Â

Young Carers Connected is a partnership between TTVS in Bideford, Unite Carers in Mid Devon and Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon (CATNMWD).Â

“We are particularly proud of our Ambassadors who are using their own experience to support younger carers and our new partnership with Citizens Advice, meaning we can also offer whole family support,â€� said Darran Hill, Chief Executive of TTVS.Â

Principally YCC offers young carers:Â

Assessment - An initial needs-based assessment with regular reviews.Â

Support - Every young carer is assigned a support worker with whom they can build a strong, trusting relationship from the outset.Â

Planning and Mentoring - 1:1 mentoring support accompanied by an Action Plan that is based on individual need. Walk and talk, working face to face throughout the pandemic (where government guidelines allowed).Â

Whole Family Support - complimented by direct access into CATNMWD services, with a dedicated worker to help with issues such as housing, debt, benefits and finances.Â

Advocacy - for young carers and attendance at TAF meetings, education meetings and other statutory meetings.Â

Access to training, information and advice - through social media platforms, the website, Facebook page (with a private group for older young carers), newsletter, and monthly thematic Live Chats.Â

Ambassadors - The superb Ambassador Project - primarily a group of former young carers themselves who help to support young people directly through activities, attendance at Steering Groups and promotional events – their approach based upon their own personal experiences as a young carer.Â

Respite Activities – Whilst the project receives no specific funding for trips, TTVS intend to offer some excellent outdoor trips and activities during key holidays throughout the year.Â

TTVS rely purely on charitable funding and are in the process of applying for further funding to extend support workers hours.Â

Find out more by visiting www.torridgecvs.org.ukÂ