Plymouth Young Carers Service

What we do

Our approach is centred on the young person themselves, helping them to build on their existing strengths, skills, and relationships. Our support is flexible and individual. We work with each young person from the outset to assess their needs. Support may include:

• delivering direct one-to-one sessions, tailored to the individual young carer
• offering advice and information, in-person, by phone, and online
• helping young carers and their families to access other relevant support
• mediating with other services on behalf of young carers and their families
• group sessions, covering topics like homework, wellbeing, and peer support
• one-to-one and group support for young carers impacted by parental substance use.

We also work with professionals and others to raise awareness of the challenges many young carers are facing and help them to understand how they can better support young carers in setting like schools or family hubs.

How we can help

We help young carers with:

• improving their health and wellbeing
• accessing support for education or employment
• inappropriate or excessive levels of care
• coaching and mentoring
• understanding disabilities and health conditions
• minimising the potential negative impacts of their responsibilities.

We offer tailored support for children and young people who are young carers but who have also been impacted by substance use issues in their family, recognising that their caring roles can present unique challenges.

Many young carers take great pride in their responsibilities but it's important that they also take time for themselves. We help by offering opportunities for rest and relaxation, as well as for young carers to share their experiences and stories.

We liaise with schools, local community groups, and local authorities to do this and also run the Young Carers Festival every year.

Need urgent support?

A mental health crisis is an emergency that has a direct and immediate threat to your physical and emotional safety. In a situation like this, it's important to get help quickly.

Try to stay calm and ask someone for help. It could help to tell someone you trust, maybe a family member or a friend. They can be with you and help you decide what to do. They can also contact other services on your behalf.

If there is any immediate risk to life, contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Crisis support services

NHS: Mental health services are free on the NHS. To get urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you're unable to get help online.

Shout: Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text 85258 for immediate help.

Samaritans: You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans either by emailing or by calling 116 123.

Childline: Childline is a free, private and confidential service that you can access online and on the phone. They can provide help and support for people up to their 19th birthday.

HOPELINE: HOPELINEUK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. Call 0800 068 4141 any day 9am - 12am (midnight).

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