Who are Young Carers?
Young Carers are children or young people aged 5 to 17.5 years old who look after, help or support one or more family members who have disabilities, long-term physical illnesses, mental health difficulties or who misuse drugs or alcohol. The person they look after could be an adult, or another child (for example, a sibling). The young carer may be taking on physical, personal, financial and/or emotional support.
Young carers often take on significant responsibilities at home while managing school, friendships, and their own wellbeing. This page provides clear information, practical advice, and lists local services to help young carers feel supported and understood.
From educational guidance and social opportunities to emotional wellbeing resources, you’ll find tools and links to make balancing caring duties and personal life easier. Our aim is to ensure young carers have access to the right help when they need it most.
Overview
Derbyshire County Council funds Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACAS) to provide support to Young Carers across the county (not Derby city). Derbyshire Young Carers is a short- term service and accepts re-referrals.
What is offered
Once allocated to a support worker, all young carers will receive two one- to- one visits to assess their needs and find out the type of support they need. This will usually happen at school. A family assessment will also be completed to talk to parents and guardians.
The level of support will be decided by the support worker, Young Carer and family. It will be reviewed at agreed times and can be changed
Services and support provided
Following assessment, young carers will be places on one of our three levels of support.
- Young Carers receive regular one to one sessions, with specific focuses on caring issues or family support sessions. Six sessions will be offered and then reviewed. They may also attend activities and groups alongside.
- Young Carers attending monthly groups, small group input and regular contact. Will be offered six of these sessions. Young Carers waiting to be given a support worker, can attend their local group.
- Young Carers attending school holiday activities within a six month time frame.
Once the agreed outcomes have been met, the case will be closed to the service. This does not mean the Young Carer is no longer looking after someone, but they are coping well with their role and no longer need extra support.
Referrals and getting support
Anyone can make a referral including family members, however, parental permission is needed for those under 18 years. Please contact us to discuss the referral if you’re in any doubt about the eligibility of the young person.
You can contact the Young Carers Service via:
Telephone: 01773 833833 or,
Email: youngcarers@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
To make a referral to Derbyshire Young Carers Service, please visit:
Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service - Contact us or make a referral