Are you looking after a family member who is...
ill?
alcoholdependent?
Physicallyand/orlearningdisabled?
struggling withmental health?
Am I a young carer?
If you’re looking after an adult family member or a sibling who is ill, has physical or learning disabilities, struggles with their mental health or is dependent on drugs or alcohol, then this group is here to support you.
What support is there in Reading?
We offer weekly youth group sessions where you can come along and meet other young people who are going through similar experiences.
You’ll be able to chat through any concerns and access helpful life advice, alongside fun activities such as going to the cinema and out for meals with the group.
The sessions are split into three age groups: Juniors 5–9 years, inters 9–13 years and seniors 13–18 years. See below for details.
Group session details - term time only
- Junior sessions for 5-9 year-olds - Wednesdays, 4-6pm at The Ranger Station, Prospect Park, Prospect Park Pavillion, Liebenrood Road, RG30 2ND
- Inters sessions for 9-13 year-olds - Tuesdays 4-6pm at The Ranger Station, Prospect Park, Prospect Park Pavillion, Liebenrood Road, RG30 2ND
- Seniors group for 13-18 year-olds - Thursdays 5-7pm at East & North Reading Family Hub, Sun Street Community Hub, Sun Street, Reading RG1 3JX
How do I join the group?
To join, you need to have been assessed using the young carer’s screening tool. This simply involves talking to you, your parents (and anyone else you want to be involved) to understand your situation.
Your assessment will:
- look at the impact your responsibilities have on your education, training and leisure opportunities
- decide whether it is appropriate for you to continue providing this care
- ask you if you want to carry on caring and, if so, how much support you are willing and able to provide
- identify other services to support your family.
Who does this assessment?
If you already have a social worker or early help worker e.g. family worker or youth worker, then they can be the ones to assess you as you know them and are familiar with them.
If you don’t have a support worker, you can ask for a referral for an assessment by calling our Children’s Single Point of Access (CSPoA) on 0118 937 3641. They will look at the request (which can be made by you or a professional, such as a teacher or GP on your behalf) and let you know how the young carer’s assessment will be completed.
Contact us
If you’d like more information about the groups and activities run for young carers or need to speak with someone on the team ryp@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 3641 option 2.
If you’re not happy with the way that Brighter Futures for Children is working with you and would like to make a complaint, or if you’d like to leave us any feedback, head over to our Young People’s Zone where we’ve added a leaflet that explains how.
Other support available
There is more information on other support groups and activities for young carers on the Family Information Service website.