feature: A pact with Haringey's young carers
19 November 2007
We look at a new deal for the young people in the borough who look after someone else.
Carers are special people. Their work and commitment goes unseen and unheralded. Caring for someone else places enormous responsibilities on the carer – but when the carer is a young person, the impact on their life can be immense. That’s why Haringey Council has signed up to a young carers charter which commits the council to making sure they receive the help and support they need.
Cllr Liz Santry, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“These young people do a wonderful job. Life has a lot of challenges for young people at the best of times, but young carers deserve and need as much help and support as we can provide.
“This charter is just one of the ways that we can ensure that their caring responsibilities don’t hold them back for the rest of their lives.
“We recognise the valuable job young carers do and are keen to give them help and support. This charter represents our commitment to them, including providing respite breaks, support services and more information about the help that is available to them.”
Each carer is in a different position – including some who look after a family member who may have a physical or mental disability or those who care for someone who has alcohol or drug misuse problem – and they need to be helped in a way which meets their individual circumstances. The charter – which young carers helped to develop – sets out a series of rights for the carer and commitments by the council and other organisations.
|Back to topThe council will:
- increase their participation when planning and delivering services and make sure there is someone they can confide in
- ensure that both it and support projects provide respite services and that young carers can take part in extended school activities
- ensure that their emotional, social and practical needs are addressed
- raise awareness about young carers and provide a wide range of information about the services for them
Young carers have a right to:
- be involved in decisions which affect them
- ‘time out’ for themselves and take part in activities
- skilled professionals who will assess their needs and give them support tailored to their individual needs
- have information about the services available to them and have their own personal information dealt with in a confidential and sensitive manner
It’s estimated that there are more than 700 young carers in the borough, and some may not know that help and support is available to help them. If you’re a young carer or know of one who would like help or more information, contact the young carers team on 020 8348 4660.
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