Basingstoke Young Carers

Basingstoke Young Carers
Before Basingstoke Young Carers was set up, carers in the community had limited support for their needs.  

Who is a Young Carer?
Children and young people (under 18) who provide or intend to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis. Any one who takes on extra responsibilities that an adult should be doing. Caring for a Parent, Brother or Sister, Grandparent, or relative who is disabled or has an illness and needs care. There are approximately 3,300 young carers in Hampshire (2001 census)


The Roles of a Young Carer
For example: Mum has a long term illness, She needs a wheelchair and extra help therefore, mum is grateful for the help her children give her... Or: Helping dad get mum out of bed and also helping mum get washed and dressed. Preparing breakfast and making a ‘pack lunch’ for dad or even writing a shopping list ...and that’s before getting ready for school!


How can this affect a Young Carer?

• Late for school
• Homework not done
• Feeling tired in school
• Worrying about those cared for at home on their own
• Some days don’t want to go to school
• No friends
• No one understands the extra responsibilities

Young Carers Youth Club
Basingstoke Young Carers Youth Club offers 10-19 years old with several ongoing and one-off projects. There is also another Young Carers Youth Club open for those between 5-12 years. There is also an additional opportunity for Young Carers to attend the Young Carer's Festival.

Since this project has started, we have 16 Young Carers who attend the youth club regularly. We also have 6 volunteers and 4 of those were through vinvolved.

Youth Suite Facilities
At BVS we have 'The Youth Suite' which is used by the Basingstoke Young Carers Youth Club as well as other Youth Clubs. It provides a space for Youth Groups to engage in activities and learn new skills compromising a kitchenette, self contained toilet, a large room with Games consoles, TV, Projector and DJ booth. A smaller room with state of the art computers and a printer, also a TV with DVD player and terrestrial.

For more information, please contact Ed on (freephone) 0800 8786500, or click to visit the Young Carers website