Young carers are children and young people, up to the age of 18, whose lives are affected by looking after someone with a disability or long-term illness. This may include mental health problems, learning disability, or misuse of drugs or alcohol.

The person they care for may be a parent, brother or sister, or a grandparent and the care that they give may be physical and/or emotional.

Responsibilities may include:

• Personal care
• Shopping
• Housework
• Lifting
• Giving medication
• Looking after younger brothers or sisters

Our Aims

Swindon Young Carers aims to promote and safeguard the rights of all young carers by providing support, information and breaks from their caring responsibilities.

This is achieved by joint work carried out by:

• Swindon Borough Council's Community Education and Social Services Departments
• Swindon Primary Care Trust
• Swindon Carers Centre
• Friends of Young Carers (Swindon)

"Time Out" Groups

There are three young carer groups in Swindon which generally meet once a week, at different times, on a Thursday and provide a valuable opportunity for young carers to have a break.

There is no cost and transport to and from the group could be arranged.

The groups are:

• Go for Its - for young carers aged 6-10
• Gateways - for young carers aged 10-13
• New Crew - For young carers aged 13-18

Further Information/Contact

If you would like more information or to be referred to Swindon Young Carers, please contact:

Swindon Carers Centre
1 Wood Street
Swindon
SN1 4AN

Tel: 01793 531133
Fax: 01793 533530
E-mail: carers@prtc-swindon.org