A new youth club specifically for youngsters who care for a loved one opened in Dudley yesterday, with a huge turnout in the glorious evening sun to celebrate!
The Dudley Young Carers team, part of the Dudley Carers Wellbeing Service opened the youth club at a fantastic family fun evening on 8th September at The Source Youth Centre in Kingswinford.
The event, with a BBQ (with thanks to the local Rapid Relief Team) and activities for the kids, including team sports (with thanks to Sports Zone Coaching), art & crafts, and a visit from the ice cream man, saw over 100 local young carers and their families come along to launch the youth club which will help give young carers aged between 5 – 18 years old the opportunity to take a well-deserved break from their caring role.
Tracey Dalloway, Dudley Young Carers Adviser, said “We are delighted to open our second youth club after the success of our Fens Pool club which opened earlier this year. Coming along to a youth club like this is often the only break these young people get from caring for a family member. It’s an opportunity for them to get the information and advice they need from our team of Young Carers Advisers and meet others who are in the same situation as themselves, but most importantly, it’s a place for them to have fun, relax and just be kids.”
Sam Ball, Team Leader from the local Rapid Relief Team said, “We’re really happy to be here this evening to provide the BBQ – helping to support young people in the community is part of what we do – and making sure everyone goes home with a full tummy and smile!”
Young carers who live in the Dudley borough and signed up to the Dudley Young Carers service can choose which of the bi-weekly youth clubs they would prefer to attend or go to both, and transport is provided if needed to ensure the sessions are accessible to everyone. On offer each week is the chance to take part in a range of activities including arts and crafts, cookery skills, sports and games and is a place to chill out and make friends, all within a safe and positive environment. The young people also have access to Young Carer Advisers for free, confidential support and advice.
The Dudley Young Carers team provide one-to-one support with a dedicated worker, school support, including help with transitions to college or university, fun activities in the school holidays and much more.
Dudley Young Carers is part of the Dudley Carers Wellbeing Service who provide a wellbeing service for carers of all ages throughout the Dudley borough, on behalf of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. To find out more about Dudley Carers Wellbeing Service or make a referral call 01384 886 429 or visit www.crossroads-caringforcarers.org/dudley-carers-wellbeing-hub/dudley-young-carers.
