Improving Lives Plymouth Caring for Carers team has announced the launch of ‘Making Carers Count’, a new project aimed at supporting Young Adult Carers aged between 18 and 25.
Carers Support Coordinator, Nicolle Ormiston said:
“We are lucky to be one of twenty-five providers across the UK that have successfully secured two and a half years funding from The Carers Trust COVID-19 Fund to run such a vital and much needed service within the city of Plymouth.”
It is estimated that in the Plymouth area there could be up to 4,000 Young Adult Carers who are looking after relatives and others on a daily basis.
A support group and forum will be run on the second Monday of each month at the Salvation Army at Lancaster Gardens in Whitleigh, from 5.30pm until 8.30pm.
Alex Swabey, who works alongside Nicolle said:
“The aim of the support group is to provide Young Adult Carers with information and advice as well as provide much needed respite time away from their caring role with other like-minded carers.
“The forum will allow us to gain vital feedback from Young Adult Carers to help us shape the provision we provide going forward.”
The Young Adult Carers Team also facilitates a variety of monthly activities aimed at providing experiences alongside like-minded, supportive peers, all whilst having fun.
“We know this is an important part of the project,” said Nicolle. “The Carers’ Trust found that 69% of young adult carers are feeling less connected to others since the start of the pandemic, so bringing them together with their peers is vital.”
The Making Carers Count project also partners with City College Plymouth to deliver skills workshops on the third Monday of each month. Held at City College Pinpoint in the City Centre from 5pm to 7pm, these workshops will help facilitate employment and educational skills to improve people’s future prospects.
Young Adult Carers will be able to work on improving their confidence and resilience, personal care knowledge, dementia awareness and Maths and English skills, among a range of other workshops. They will also have the option to undertake accredited courses.
If you look after someone who is over 18 and you are aged between 18 and 25, then get in contact to see how you can get support going forward by emailing yacs@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk. Alternatively call Nicolle on 07305 043634 or Alex on 07496 641182
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