South Tyneside Young Carers Service provides support to young carers aged 5-18, young adult carers aged 16-24, and their families.
A young carer is a child or young person who helps to care for a family member because of illness, disability, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, or another support need. Their caring responsibilities can impact their education, emotional wellbeing, social life, and opportunities.
A young adult carer is a young person aged 16-24 who continues to provide care whilst managing the challenges associated with adulthood, including further education, employment, training, and independent living.
Our aim is for young carers and young adult carers to be confident, ambitious, and independent, protected from inappropriate caring responsibilities, and able to enjoy a positive childhood and successful transition into adulthood.
The service offers:
Assessment and identification of young carers' needs through a carer assessment process.
One-to-one emotional and practical support.
Family support and advocacy to help families access appropriate services.
Wellbeing support to improve confidence, resilience, and emotional health.
Respite opportunities, including group activities, trips, residential experiences, and school holiday programmes.
Support during key life transitions, including progression into adulthood, further education, employment, training, and independent living.
Through these services, we work to reduce the impact of caring responsibilities, improve outcomes for young carers and their families, and ensure that every young carer is recognised, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.