Frequently asked questions
… by young carers
A. If you are under 16, we could only meet with you in school or offer you support over the phone. If you are worried about your family knowing, we would be happy to help you think about the best way to tell them but only if you wanted to.
A. CareFree can only work with young carers, so your friend would only be able to come if he or she were also registered with us as a young carer. It’s easy to make new friends at a young carers’ group but if you were worried about this, we could introduce you to a member before your first meeting, so that you already know someone when you first go.
A. CareFree often helps young carers to sort out bullying problems in school. A project worker would meet with you to find out what the problem is and how you want us to help you with it eg. speaking to a teacher on your behalf or helping you to think about what you want to happen and supporting you to tell a teacher yourself.
A. Anything you tell CareFree staff will remain confidential unless you ask us to share it with someone else or we are concerned that what you have told us means you or another young person is at risk of being harmed.
… by parents
A. CareFree does not charge for any of its services.
A. A project worker will help you to identify local, informal support. If this is not possible, with your permission, we would contact Social Services or an agency such as Crossroads to get the help you require.
A. All CareFree staff and volunteers are trained and thoroughly police screened in line with national standards. We will also ask you to sign a consent form so that we are aware of any health difficulties your child has and we are able to agree to emergency medical attention should this be necessary.
… by professionals
A. All CareFree staff and volunteers are trained and have enhanced police screens in line with national standards.Yes, although it is helpful to everyone if you are confident they will be eligible before you suggest they contact us.
A. Young carers are eligible to join CareFree if their care responsibilities are such that they are impacting negatively on a least one aspect of the young person’s health or development eg educational achievement
A. We offer intensive case work support for up to six months, when cases are then generally closed. However, young carers are able to continue to access their young carers group whilst they remain eligible to do so.
A. Yes.
