The aim of the week is to raise awareness of Young Carers in Donegal and to highlight the support service now in place.
As part of the week there will be sessions in schools and youth clubs across the county, as well as a seminar for professionals in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Wednesday co-ordinated by the Donegal Children & Young People Services Committee Young Carers Implementation group.
Youth workers from Donegal Youth Service and young people from the Donegal Youth Council will be in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre throughout the week also to talk to people and inform them about the new support available to Young Carers in the county.
The Young Carers Donegal group is an activity and support group for young carers aged 12 to 24. The group provides someone to talk to and the chance to make new friends. Through the Young Carers Group young people can find out about other young carers who feel just like you do, and get the chance to spend time out from caring taking part in fun activities.
Being a young carer means helping a member of their family with things they can’t manage, like washing and dressing, cleaning, shopping and cooking. It can mean looking after money and paying bills, giving medicine at the right time and making sure the person they care for is OK. Sometimes young carers may need to listen or be on hand to help if the person they look after feels unwell or has problems with their emotions. A young carer may help look after a sibling, a parent or someone in the wider family. The relative may have physical, mental or alcohol/drug issues.
Am I a Young Carer?
Do you need to stay at home a lot in case they are needed?
Are you there for someone who needs emotional support because they are down or depressed?
Do you need to be on hand to help someone with personal care like washing, toileting or getting dressed?
Do you help out by running errands like shopping or do they need to do cleaning or cooking because someone can’t manage?
Are you looking after brothers and sisters because someone is unwell or needs support?
Do you interpret for your family due to a hearing or speech impairment or because English is not the family’s first language.
If the answer is “YES” to any of the questions, then you can access the free help and support offered by the Young Carers Group. Please contact Donegal Youth Service on 074-9129630 for further information.