Young Carers Group volunteer

For West Sussex Young Carers Family Service

Could you spare three hours one evening a month during term time to make sure young carers don’t miss out on the opportunities that many others take for granted?

We are looking for volunteers to help out at a Thursday evening 6pm-8pm youth group in Bognor for young people in a caring role aged 11-16.

Full training provided, mileage and expenses reimbursed. For more information email emma.capon@westsussex.gov.uk

Skills

To be non-judgemental, accept people as individuals and respect their differences
Ability to empathise with the young carer whilst maintaining boundaries
Well developed relationship building strategies
Good communications skills
Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of young carers
Patient and good humoured
Ability to work on your own and as part of a team
Willingness to learn (some of the knowledge and skills you need you will already have and some may require training which we will provide)
Understand confidentiality and implement this in your role

About West Sussex Young Carers Family Service

Our team meets with young carers referred to them and their families to discuss the needs of the person doing the caring role and the needs of the cared for. This helps us to develop a plan which addresses the support needs of the cared for and ensures the young person is not doing inappropriate or excessive care. Young carers take on responsibility at home because someone in their family is disabled or has been ill for a long time, experiences mental ill health, or has a problem linked to drugs or alcohol.

Lots of young people want to help out and feel proud that they are lending a hand but at the same time the impact of these responsibilities may cause difficulties at home, at school and elsewhere.