Young Carers are children or young people under 18, who care for someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, learning difficulties, sensory impairment, HIV/AIDS or substance misuse.

Young Carers may experience isolation, difficulties coping at home, problems at school, lack of social experiences and often need information and advice on the illness or disabilities their parents or grandparents suffer from.

Support

We believe in the positive benefit of Young Carers meeting as many share common experiences. They can also gain peer support while having great fun!

 Services we offer

• Fun Clubs 
• Events booklet - what's on
• Emotional and Practical Support
• 1:1 Support In and Out of Schools (Bedford Borough only)
• Information, Advice and Advocacy
• Peer Mentoring
• Support for siblings
• Training
• Facebook group
• Help to develop strategies for dealing with difficulties and improving health and well-being
• Young Carers Breaks
• Family time at our Carers Cafe

Clubs

Clubs are for carers aged 4-17yrs to have fun, have a break and also receive support with your caring role. Each club is planned to provide emotional and practical support, including help with homework, relationship advice and tips on being healthy.

All clubs are held every two months from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Clubs take place locally and run in various age groups.

At the clubs, you can have a pamper session, one to one talks and join in with sport activities, arts and crafts and much more. Drinks are available at all the clubs free of charge and a non-profit making tuck shop is also available.

Get in touch

To put a young carer in touch with the Young Carers team, a parent or organisation can fill out our referral form.

Read more here about the services we still run for carers in Central Bedfordshire include the Peer Mentor programme, Carers Grant, Cafés, Discount Card and Carers Lounge.