Young
Carers
(5+)
A young carer is anyone aged 5 to 21 who helps look after a family member or friend, who has an illness or condition. This might be a physical illness; mental illness; learning disability; or some form of addiction.
A young carer might ‘care’ in all sorts of ways, be it through personal care, help around the home, or by providing emotional support.
No matter your caring role, however big or small, we are here to help.
"Lambeth Young Carers has made me feel more confident with other people and I have made new friends."
Fun
Being a young carer can be tough. Day after day, it might mean helping and worrying about someone else. And that might mean little space for something really important to happen – fun! We provide a care free space for that to happen.
Being a young carer can create barriers to friendship. Perhaps because of less time to socialise or because friends don’t understand what it is like to be a carer. Our groups allow young carers to meet people who understand their circumstances.
Friendship
We believe that confidence is a skill that comes with practice. It grows with nurture, encouragement and opportunities to try new things - our varied programme of activities does just this, helping young carers build self-reliance and inner-strength.
Building confidence
Recognition
Often, young carers go through their childhood without realising they're a carer. Many are fearful to share their needs with their school. We create the conditions for young people to own and make sense of their identity as carers, and we try our best to make sure that their needs are met.
'Going to Lambeth Young Carers makes me confident and happy and I feel more likeable.'
Getting out and about and moving around improves our state of mind, but it can be easy to be inactive in the inner-city. That’s why we take ‘being active’ very seriously, as you’ll learn from our programme of energetic events.
Active
We know that being a young carer can create challenges at school, whether that’s missed homework, low attendance or a lack of understanding from teachers. We work with schools to make sure that the right support is in place.
Education
Learning new skills
Sometimes it’s too early to think about jobs and careers. But it’s never too early to think about hobbies and passions. Our varied activities help young carers learn what engages them, and to develop essential skills along the way.
Sometimes, you can’t improve the health and happiness of a young carer without improving that of the whole family. That’s why we take a ‘whole family approach’. If a family is struggling to get something they need, we can help them to get it.
Whole family approach
Young Carers who engage with our service must follow our Code of Conduct, to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
The Homework Club is a place where young carers, aged 11 to 16, can complete their homework in a quiet and supportive environment. It is also a space for young carers to connect with each other, make friends and have a fun and relaxing time away from caring.
Every Monday, 5-6 pm via Google Meet, and every Tuesday, 4.30-6.30pm at 336 Brixton Road
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