Every child or young person referred to GYC is offered an assessment in the family home, at school or college or any other appropriate venue (depending on age).

At the visit our worker, in discussion with the young person and their family, will assess the child or young person’s needs as a young carer, the support they require and develop a plan of support. The plan might include:

• Information, advice and guidance
• Helping family members to access the services they need to reduce the amount and impact of caring on the young person;
• Access to services provided by GYC or other agencies
• Working with schools and other agencies to ensure ‘joined up’ support for the young carer.

We run weekly, fortnightly and monthly respite support groups during term time for juniors aged 8-11 , and seniors aged 12-16.  The groups run in localities across the county. Young carers can:

• Enjoy fun activities in a safe environment with other young people who share similar experiences and feelings
• Talk to workers with whom they have built a trusting relationship
• Have a safe space to address issues/concerns as they arise
• Build connection and friendship with other young carers

We offer 121 support when it has been identified that the young carer is struggling to cope with their caring role.

This could be because of becoming overwhelmed by the demands of caring for their family member alongside their everyday life and / or being unable to express their feelings around this, which is then having an impact on their own health.

The support is designed to enable the young carer to understand what caring means to them and their family, and develop strategies which will help them improve their own well-being and guide them to find their own direction.

We organise day trips and activities where young carers can enjoy time away with other young people who share similar family circumstances. This offers access to fun, positive experiences that challenge and inspire. We work closely with the local community and corporate organisations to enable these events to happen.

Caring Counts is our health and wellbeing sessions for young carers aged 11+. These aim to enable young carers to:
• Share their experiences of being a young carer and discuss the strengths and challenges of caring
• Build resilience and develop coping strategies through the Five Ways to Wellbeing
• Learn about the support that is available to them
• Have some fun and make new friends

‘Us Too’ is a closed, time limited support group for children who are coping with the impact of a family member’s mental ill health. Its objectives are:
• To provide a safe space where group members can identify and express their feelings
• To reduce the sense of isolation by sharing experiences and views with others in similar circumstances
• To enhance self-esteem and confidence
• To help the young people to gain a greater understanding of mental health and mental illness
• To help them make sense of the impact of the illness on the family
• To support the development of coping strategies

• Participation opportunities to build skills, confidence and agency
• Two active forums ‘Our Voice’ (11-18) and ‘YACTion’ (16-24)
• Help to drive positive change for young carers 

• Tailored support service for 16-24s
• Includes access to activities, 1:1 support, future focus, and participation opportunities.