Read original article on young carers and Coronavirus (March 2020)
Practice examples
(updated Young Carers Action Day 16th March 2021)
To celebrate #NationalSiblingsDay Sibs UK ran two free creative arts sessions for young #siblings via Zoom and art materials were provided. #Artpod bit.ly/317Iqju
CheshireYoungCarers @CYC_youngcarers ran workshops over the holiday half-term with a science theme. Young carers took part in science experiments, making bath bombs, slime and even plastic!
Winchester young carers @WIN_YoungCarers donated ‘Wellness packs’ to young carers which included fuzzy socks, sweets, art packs and a craft kit for online activity.
MYTIME Young Carers @mytime_charity ran parties for young carers. They organised a fire show and an evening of comedy & magic for #youngcarers and #youngadultcarers across the UK!
Action for young carers in Nottingham City @carersfedayc ran a Family Cooking course / healthy eating course for young carers. They delivered fresh ingredients to the young carers’ homes and ran a Zoom course with a qualified cook. Young carers learned new skills and knowledge about healthy eating, had fun and ended up with a delicious meal. They also used the East Meals App from Public Health England https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/eat-better/ “a valuable resource giving recipes, meal ideas, tips and advice and enabling you to create shopping lists”.
Carers Trust Wales has published a set of guidelines to support young carers through the Covid-19 pandemic:
The Scottish Government has provided a range of support for unpaid carers during this time including: £500,000 of funding to carers centres and young carers services to support their costs in moving to providing remote and digital services. [Carers Week 2020 Research Report p.30]
Bromley Well Young Carers distributed ingredients to young carers and are holding a virtual Zoom Cooking workshop!
Basingstoke young carers have created a new platform on Instagram to support social interaction for young carers, including games, activities, and peer interaction.
YoungCarersMatterNorfolk are offering personalised, localised, in-depth, specialist advice related to caring needs both over the phone, via email & online. They and using creative ways, such as video calls and activity packs too.
Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) have created an online support group
The research team at Careum School of Health in Zurich, Switzerland is now offering online support for young carers
Sheffield young carers are promoting their e-bulletin SYC News to share useful information about COVID19
Cheshire young carers are continuing their support – all online and are producing digital activity packs for young carers
Support for young people
Young Scot’s website lots of clear information and advice for young people about Coronavirus and how to cope in the current situation.
Childline’s website has information and tips to help you to cope with the Coronavirus situation. You can also call the helpline on 0800 1111.
The Mix provides free confidential support to young people under 25. Its website has information about your rights and how to look after yourself during Coronavirus, and specific information for young carers and young adult carers. It also has a crisis messenger service, a helpline and online 1-2-1 chat if you need to talk to someone.
YoungMinds is a charity focusing on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The website can help you if you are struggling with your mental health, and has specific blogs to help you to cope with the Coronavirus situation
YACbook is an online community and resource space for and led by young adult carers. A young adult carer has written up their tips for coping in the current situation and how to be kind to yourself during lockdown.
Children’s Commissioner’s guide to Coronavirus
Coronavirus: Health advice you can trust from The Mix (information, support and listening for people under 25)
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis
Childline: advice and protection for children 24 hours a day, and free, confidential counselling
Samaritans: 24-hour confidential listening and support for anyone who needs it (including adults)
The children’s Society: Young carers’ well-being and mental health
NACOA have developed an online resource pack for those concerned for young people affected by their parent’s drinking during #COVID19 social distancing.
The NHS App: For booking appointments, repeat prescriptions, check symptoms… and more (for over 13 year olds)
Free resource: a wordless book for people with communication difficulties and those who care for them. Explains what to do if they contract Covid19. UK orientated so may some adaption for other audiences.
For parents
The NHS App: For booking appointments, repeat prescriptions, check symptoms… and more (for over 13 year olds)
YoungMinds Parents Helpline: If you are worried about a child or young person. A free helpline for confidential, expert advice
Tools to support you
An ‘Online Resource Pack’ by NACOA – for those concerned for someone affected by their parent’s drinking during COVID social distancing. https://nacoa.org.uk/research-resources/covid-resource-pack/
Use WhatsApp to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls
John Torode’s Coronavirus Isolation Meal Ideas : This Morning (I really liked this short article)
A list of free, online, boredom-busting resources! by ChatterPack
A weekly routine planner template form Mobilise