Professionals

Overview from service manager, Sylvia Shatwell

Willow young carers service is a partnership between Barnardo’s, Leeds Social Services Department, Education Leeds and the Integrated Youth Support Service. The Willow service has been meeting the needs of this vulnerable group across the city of Leeds since 1994.

With a committed team of 14 staff and a group of trained volunteers we annually support over 250 young people aged between 5 and 18 years old whose childhood is affected by a family member’s serious illness, disability or mental health issue. Some young carers may have a high level of responsibility for keeping the family functioning. Others may have less responsibility but are nonetheless significantly affected by their family’s circumstances.

"We are pro-active in supporting positive change in the lives of young carers."

We ensure that without creating dependency we support the young person to reach a set of agreed goals. The type of support we offer ranges from:

• individual and group work
• activity days
• access to other services
• information and advice
• participation
• access to grants and funding.

Using an outcome focused approach ensures we work in partnership with a range of agencies to support children to achieve the government’s ‘every child matters’ 5 outcomes:

• making a positive contribution
• staying safe
• being healthy
• enjoying and achieving
• social and economic wellbeing.

"Raising awareness of young carers’ issues is a key aspect of our work."

In 2007 two young carers supported by Willow were given the opportunity to tell their stories in the national media; Tara on ITV's local heroes and Danny through Blue Peter's disc appeal and an appearance on the BBC 6 o'clock news. We have also developed a range of innovative resources, including the young carers in education CD-ROM. The CD-ROM is being distributed to all schools in Leeds and can be used as a classroom resource and a development tool for professionals.

In addition to the statutory funding we receive, we must also express our gratitude to Leeds City councillors, the royal antediluvian order of buffaloes, morley vision, the royal bank of Scotland, ernst & young, thomas wades charity, the four acre trust, addleshaw & goddard, the Childcare Support Agency and the co-operative.

"The continued commitment to young carers in Leeds is inspiring and something we must maintain."

All carers cannot fail to be affected by their caring responsibilities; its impact on them can be significant and often overlooked. All of us living and working in the communities where carers live can support positive change to ensure that the cared for and their carers get the support they deserve.

Sylvia Shatwell
Children's Services Manager
Barnardo’s Willow young carers service

For further information, volunteer opportunities or to make a referral please contact us at:

c/o Leeds Media Centre
21 Savile Mount
Leeds
LS7 3HZ

Phone: 0113 2622851
Email: Willows young carers.

Fax Number: 0113 262 2562

Comments from professionals about Willow

Comments from Jeremy Pritlove - Leeds social service department - mental health development manager:

"When I think of the Willow project I think of enthusiasm – the enthusiasm of a young person from the project talking about their experiences to senior managers at a planning meeting; the enthusiasm of young people setting off from the project party for a limousine ride; and the enthusiasm of project staff planning the project’s work with colleagues from other agencies. It is good to know that young carers in Leeds have the Willow project working with them – a project which is accessible, imaginative and sensitive to their special needs and strengths."

Comments from Bridget Maguire – Leeds social service department - carers strategy implementation manager:

"The involvement of the Willow project in young carers support has evolved over a number of years to a highly professional and sensitive service in which we have absolute confidence. We have therefore made funds available to extend this service to a young carer in any caring situation in any part of Leeds.
We know that the staff at Willow will help youngsters deal with all aspects of their caring role and will advocate for them with their schools, health and social care professionals or their own family. The staff also enable young carers to have leisure opportunities and fun with other children so that they do not lose out on the normal developmental benefits and self-confidence which comes from their own exploration of their world and their own interests. These, and many more opportunities, are what any young carer deserves and we are very pleased to be able to support them through Willow."

Recognising Young Carers and 'thinking family' - free training

Would you like to know more about young carers? If so, Barnardos can deliver free training to staff across the health and social care workforce. The aim of the training is to raise awareness about the lives of young carers and their families, and to promote integrated working across the adult and children's workforce. Training sessions can be adapted to suit the needs of your team., in 30 minute, half day or full day slots. The training can be delivered at team meetings, inductions or bigger training events across Leeds. For further details and to make a booking, please contact Helen Fortune on 07919520981.