Kingston Hospital is highlighting its dedicated Young Carers Support Service to ensure children and young people who look after others receive the help they deserve. This service is available to any young person under the age of 18 who provides practical or emotional care for a family member with a long term illness, disability, mental health issue or substance misuse problem.
How the service helps
The service aims to protect the health and wellbeing of young carers by providing a range of tailored support options. A Carers Clinical Liaison Practitioner works with the young person and their family to create a personalised support plan. This plan often includes:
- Confidential information and advice
- One to one emotional support and mentoring
- Referrals to community support networks and after school groups
- Access to holiday leisure programmes and fun activities
- Support with school and educational needs
Recognising young carers
Many young people may not realise they are young carers. Responsibilities can include anything from cooking and housework to administering medication, assisting with personal care or looking after younger siblings. If these duties are affecting a young person’s education, health or social life, they are encouraged to seek help.
How to access support
The service is available Monday to Friday. While anyone can speak confidentially to hospital staff, formal referrals are typically made through the following steps:
- Speak to a nurse or doctor at the hospital and request a referral to the Carers Clinical Liaison Practitioner.
- Young carers can also contact their teacher or General Practitioner for guidance on accessing help for themselves and their family.
- Once a referral is received, the team aims to contact the carer by telephone within one working day.
Find out more
For more information, you can visit the Kingston Hospital Young Carers Support Service page or view their Advice for young carers leaflet.
