Philanthropy

Carers Bucks logo

CAWC International is delighted to be supporting the charity, Carers Bucks (charity number- 1106745).The CAWC will be raising money to support 1,800 young people aged 5-25 throughout the Buckinghamshire area who give unpaid support and care to their loved ones. Carers UK 2022 estimate that unpaid carers save the economy around £132 billion a year.

Carers Bucks has two services within their organisation that supports young people: Young Carers for those aged 5-15 and Young Adult Carers for those aged 16-25. These young people provide vital physical and emotional support to parents and/or siblings who either have:

  • A disability or illness
  • A long term condition
  • Poor mental health and/or addiction

Providing a caring role has a direct impact on or affects unpaid young carers in at least one of the following areas:
 

  • Social inclusion
  • Educational opportunities and achievement
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Physical wellbeing
  • Family relationships
Carers Bucks young Carers at Odd farm
Carers Bucks Young Carers Climbing Wall

Each caring role is very different and therefore the support needs of each young carer and young adult carer are all very different. Carers Bucks undertakes an initial assessment that evaluates the physical and emotional and social impact that caring for their family member has on the young carer. From this, a tailored support package is put together to help them. Support may include:

 

  • The opportunity to attend club nights where they can go, play games, relax, talk to other carers their own age and get advice from support workers
  • Day trips, occasional funded activities throughout the holiday’s which can include residential trips.
  • Targeted support work that promotes sharing of experiences, acknowledging feelings, models coping strategies and enhances knowledge.

Topics covered include:

  • Caring for a sibling, caring for a parent
  • One to one support around specific elements of their caring role.

In addition, young adult carers are given support to help them transition into adulthood and independence while they continue to provide unpaid care.  In particular:

  • Giving them information and Guidance with things such as next steps in education.
  • Assisting them in developing essential life skills

young carers and young adult carers can contact Carers Bucks to get additional help and advice. Carers Bucks also works closely with schools In Buckinghamshire to widen the support available to young carers.

Carers Bucks young carers
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“My son loves the opportunity to socialize with other young careers and have the opportunity to play sports as football and indoor games. Attending here provide him a kind awareness of his role as a young career and help him to build resilience and self-confidence. Thanks for all your work!!!”

Quote from a young carer’s parent

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“I am so grateful for the support of young carers as you have made me who I am today. Having you in my life means I have learnt so much about myself, have gained so much confidence in myself, and I can’t thank you enough. You are a truly awesome service. I don’t know what I would have done without you”

Quote from a young adult carer

For more information about young carers and young adult carers in the Buckinghamshire area please click visit: carersbucks.org