Young carers in Slough

Are you under the age of 18?
Do you have a family member who has an illness, disability or addiction?
Do you help to look after them?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be a young carer.

A young carer is a child or young person aged 5 to 18 who helps to support a family member. This may be because the person is unwell, disabled, has mental health difficulties, uses substances, is living with frailty, or needs extra day-to-day support.

Many young carers do not realise that they are young carers, and their caring role can often go unnoticed.

Young Carers Assessment

If you are a young carer, you are entitled to a Young Carers Assessment. This assessment looks at how your caring responsibilities affect you and considers what support you and your family may need.

• To request an assessment, please contact Slough Children First on 01753 875362.

You can still access young carers support even if you do not complete an assessment.

If you do not wish to have an assessment but would like support, you can complete the Young Carers Screening Tool or speak with a professional who can help you to complete it.

• To access the screening tool and find out more information, please visit Slough Children First Young Carers page.

Young Carers Support

Slough Young Carers delivered by Together As One, works in partnership with Slough Children First to raise awareness of young carers. The service provides activities across Slough and helps improve access to support for children and young people who help to care for someone at home.

The Slough Young Carers programme gives young people a break from their caring role and the opportunity to relax, have fun and spend time with others who understand their experiences. The programme is youth-led meaning sessions are shaped by what young carers tell us they want and need.

Activities are relaxed and supportive and include:

• creative crafts
• games and group activities
• fitness and movement sessions
• trips during school holidays
• workshops focused on wellbeing, confidence and future planning.

Young people are encouraged to take part in a way that feels comfortable for them.