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County’s young carers invited to share their views on services

Published
Gloucestershire County Council is asking the county’s young carers, their families and schools to share their views on services which support children and young people who care for a family member.

The council wants to hear from all children and young people who help to look after a family member on a day-to-day basis, to help understand how it can make sure they get the support they need.

Young carers are children and young people under 18 who help to look after someone in their family who has a long-term medical condition, disability, mental health condition or problem with drugs and alcohol.

There are four surveys aimed at:

·       Young carers who are aged 8 up to 15

·       Young carers who are aged 16 up to 24

·       Parents of children and young people with caring responsibilities

·       Schools

The purpose of the surveys is to find out how helpful young carers are finding these services and to learn what other support they may find beneficial. The feedback provided will help to shape future services and support across the county.

The county council helps to fund and promote a range of services to support young carers through Gloucestershire Young Carers including assessment and support planning, one to one support and county wide respite support groups, as well as trips and activities where young carers can enjoy time away with other young people who share similar family circumstances.

There are currently over 1,100 young people who are registered and receiving support from Gloucestershire Young Carers, and it is estimated that there are approximately 7000 young carers in Gloucestershire, many of whom may not realise that they would be classed as a carer.

Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children’s safeguarding and early years at Gloucestershire County Council said: “We want to raise awareness of Gloucestershire’s young carers to help children and young people who care for a family member realise they are not alone, and that support is available for them.

“Helping to care for a family member day-to-day alongside school or work is a huge responsibility, and as with most caring it is often done out of sight. We want to make sure that young carers are recognised, so they can receive the support they need, at the right time, and be able to enjoy activities like others their age.

“I would encourage all young carers, their families and schools, to make sure they share their views with us to help shape future services.”


Young carers, parents and education staff can have their say by visiting:

·       Young carers who are aged 8 up to 15
https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/young-carers-survey-ages-8-15

·       Young carers who are aged 16 up to 24
https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/young-carers-survey-ages-16-24-years-old

·       Parents of children and young people with caring responsibilities
https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/young-carers-survey-parents

·       Schools
https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/young-carers-survey-schools

The surveys close on 31 October 2024.

We know that children and young people often don’t recognise their caring role, if this article has helped you identify that you are a young carer or you know a young carer, please get in touch with Gloucestershire Young Carers on 01452 733060 or visit www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk/contact-us