Young carers' project

Young carers are young people and children under the age of 18 years who provide care and support to another person on a regular basis, for example a brother or sister, grandparent or parent.

They may help care for someone who has a physical or learning disability, terminal illness, depression or mental ill health, or someone who has a drug or alcohol problem.

The support young carers give may vary from practical help such as shopping, housework or cooking. It could also be personal care for example bathing, toileting or, it may involve them offering emotional support to someone who is depressed. Often they will be doing a number of these things.

Derbyshire and Derby City Young Carers is a project run by National Childrens Homes (NCH), a national charity.

What the project offers
The project covers the whole of the county and offers support to young carers in order for them to have the same opportunities as other children and young people.

We offer the chance to take a break from caring by providing organised social events, groups and residential breaks. There is also the opportunity to spend time with others who have similar experiences.

Project staff are very experienced and friendly and are keen to offer support with education and health matters. We speak up for young people when no one else appears to be listening. We can also provide information about additional support which may ease the situation at home.

The project staff understand the importance of listening to wheat young people and parents want from the service and are keen to get ideas and feedback on how we can provide the best possible support. You can do this by contacting:

Graham Hallam
Project and Research Manager
Children and Younger Adults Department
County Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AG

Tel: 01629 585644
Fax: 01629 772213
email: graham.hallam@derbyshire.gov.uk

Referrals to the Young Carers Service may be made by any agency or families direct to:

Derbyshire Young Carers Project
32A Newbold Road
Chesterfield
S41 7PH

Tel: 01246 207752

Derbyshire Young Carers Project
3 Leopold Street
Derby
DE1 2HB

Tel: 01332 370430

If you have a suggestion, praise or complaint (opens in a new window) about this service you can obtain further information by clicking on this link.

You may also like to look at our information on the youth service, groups and support for carers or information for young people on the b_line website (opens in a new window).

You can also find out about local groups and organisations that offer support to carers on the Derbyshire Directory.