Young Carer Projects
Projects
Family Carers Ireland provides a range of support to help Young Carers look after themselves, these include:
Individual and Family Support
Individual support is available to young carers and young adult carers struggling with any aspect of their caring role. The supports we offer include information, advocacy, advice, practical supports counselling and emergency planning. We also offer support to the wider family through our network partners and local Carer Support Managers who are located in 21 centres across the country. If you would like some extra support or just want to talk to somebody about your caring role you can phone our Young Carers Office on 057 93 70208.
Young Carer Groups
Family Carers Ireland operates a network of Young Carer Groups across the country. These Groups offer information, advice and practical supports as well as giving young carers an opportunity to come together providing important emotional and peer support. At the moment, some of these groups are closed due to COVID-19 but keep an eye out on your local Young Carer Group's website or Facebook page for updates!
Free Young Carer Card
Family Carers Ireland offers a free Young Carer Card which gives young carers aged 10-24 access to a variety of great deals and discounts including offers from Carlingford Adventure Centre, Zipit Forest Adventure, Grafton Barbers, Omniplex Cinemas, Gym Plus, The Body Shop and many more. The card can also be used as proof of caring responsibilities for schools, colleges and health services. To apply for a FREE Young Carer Card please click here!
National Events
At Family Carers Ireland we recognise the importance of peer support, networking and respite breaks for young carers. Our annual Young Carer Respite Weekend gives young carers aged 12-17 a break from their caring role and an opportunity to meet with other young carers while taking part in fun activities. We also organise regular conferences and forums, giving young carers the opportunity to have their voices heard. To find out about our upcoming events email youngcarers@familycarers.ie or sign up for a Young Carers Card and receive regular updates about upcoming events and activities.
Young Carers in Education
Family Carers Ireland’s Young Carers in School Programme works with schools across the country to support students with caring responsibilities. We have a guide for teachers and other school staff to help ensure that they understand the issues affecting young carers and how to address their needs. We also offer awareness talks and support schools to set up in-school young carer groups.
Our supports for young adult carers in further and higher education include information, advocacy, support with accessing financial support (such as the Susi Grant), and emergency care planning. We also have a network of colleges and third level institutions who have put in place supports to make further and higher education more accessible to young carers included inclusion in their Access Programmes. Contact our Young Carers Office on 057 93 70208 to find out more.
Young Carers Online
The Young Carers Online Programme gives small groups of young carers the opportunity to participate in themed discussions with a qualified psychotherapist in a safe and secure online setting. At the end of each session young carers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to help deal with these issues and topics discussed.
The workshop themes include mental health, isolation, stress and anxiety, anger management, family conflict, bullying and study skills among others.