Group of children

Help us provide respite and support for our Young Carers in Wales

In Wales we know that there are at least 11,000 children and young people under 18 who provide regular or continuing care and emotional support to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances.

A young carer becomes vulnerable when the level of care giving and responsibility becomes excessive for that child.

young boy

Typically they take on a wide range of tasks, from shopping and cleaning to providing medication and emotional support, in some cases for up to 4 hours a day.

Young carers often live in some of the most difficult circumstances; many are growing up in poverty and they have to learn how to care for an adult with demanding needs whilst still attending school; they have very little time to socialise with peers their own age and have fun, meaning they are often robbed of their childhood.

Respite activities that provide a break for young people from caring responsibilities are also a main function of our work. They are able to enjoy activities that, for many of them, they simply would have not had the chance to experience such as trips to local attractions, theme parks, the zoo and enjoying overnight stays away from home.

To support children and young people who have significant caring responsibilities, Barnardo’s operates Young Carers services in Caerphilly, Flintshire, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport.  

These services provide support:

  • Assisting the family to find the care they need, and are entitled to, from local services.
  • Providing advice and emotional support through counselling and drop-in sessions.
  • Liaising with schools so that teachers can better aid their students.
  • Providing opportunities for young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities; spend time with other young carers and share experiences.

In line with young carers support needs, we also provide issue based workshops which support young carers to access the same opportunities as their peers to develop life skills, social skills and learning and development opportunities.

Barnardo’s helped me to believe in myself. I started to understand that I can have a life, I don’t need to be home 24/7. I’m part of the Young Carers Council now, and I feel part of something. Before, I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere.

Megan

Young Carer

Find out more about the experiences of children with care responsibilities and learn more about the work Barnardo's does to support them.