Help for young carers

“Barnardo’s has been concerned for some time that children caring for parents with addictions, mental health issues or physical disabilities are missing out on vital support” said Billy McMillan, assistant director.

He was commenting on the announcement of £500,000 to:

• establish a service enabling young carers to go to their nearest support centre irrespective of Trust boundaries;
• improve outcomes for young carers in respect of health, mental and emotional well-being, inclusion, educational attendance and achievement;
• enable young carers to avail of social and recreational opportunities with peers and to have a break from caring;
• provide appropriate and timely information.

“There is no doubt that this extra funding is very welcome and will be well used to support these children and young people,” Mr McMillan added.

A report launched by Barnardo’s in November 2006, Hidden Lives, exposed the fact that many young carers are not captured in official statistics and are effectively left to cope alone, often for years.