We have a service to help young people recognise if they provide unpaid care for others, and to find help and support.

Who is the service for?

The service benefits young carers residing in any borough who are taking on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities normally expected of an adult. Our Carers’ Clinical Liaison (CCL) Practitioner puts a support plan in place by referring them to support networks for young carers in the community.

How do I know I am a young carer?

A young carer is anyone under 18 who is affected by the care needs of a family member requiring practical and/or emotional support normally expected of an adult. This could be due to a physical disability, a learning disability, a mental health issue, a substance misuse problem, or a long-term illness. The young carer may find themselves doing anything from cooking, shopping and housework to administering medication, assisting with personal care, interpreting, physical support such as lifting, emotional support or looking after younger sibling.

Can I self-refer to the service?

All referrals should be made by staff to the Carers Clinical Liaison Practitioner. Please speak with the nurse or doctor to request that they make a referral on behalf of a young carer. If you are a young carer, you can speak confidentially with any member of staff and ask them to make the referral for you.

What is the role of a Carers Clinical Liaison Practitioner?

The practitioner focuses on the health and wellbeing of a young carer. They put a support plan in place and refer the carer to support networks in the community. The support available includes confidential information, advice and support, one-to-one emotional support, mentoring programme in schools, after school support groups, holiday leisure break programme, bespoke projects and events among others.

What does a carer support plan look like?

Our practitioner will meet with the young carer alongside their parents or guardians and take them through a structured conversation designed to better understand their needs. This will include going through a wellbeing checklist and giving initial information regarding rights and entitlements as a young carer.

Can the CCL Practitioner provide medical information?

The Carers’ Clinical Liaison Practitioner will not give any updates on behalf of the clinical team to the young carer or next of kin. Please speak with the Nurse in Charge if any medical information is required.

Who do I speak to if I have question regarding the service?

All our staff are aware of the service. Please speak to them and they may be able to refer you. The service runs Monday to Friday, and carers should be contacted by telephone within 1 working day after receiving a referral.