Contact us for more information

01892 530330

 
 

Any young person who finds themselves caring for a family member due to illness or disability is known as a 'young carer'.

 
RSS

LATEST NEWS

Be part of the 2012 Games action in the District – volunteers needed

09 Feb 2012

Local people are being given the unique ‘once in a life’ opportunity to help out at the Paralympic Games Road Cycling at Brands Hatch and Torch Relay in Sevenoaks District.  You could be a key part of these events and all you need is a warm and welcoming nature and enjoy engaging with new people

 

The Beat Project

08 Feb 2012

Healthy Living Event comes to Snodland Area

 

Study shows over half of Brits volunteered last year

27 Jan 2012

More than one in two people in Britain volunteered in 2011, according to a new study in volunteering habits by YouGov.

.

 

The Big Tree Plant Funding Scheme

23 Jan 2012

The Big Tree Plant funding scheme hopes to encourage and support community groups to plant trees in neighbourhoods where people live and work.  The scheme can fund work such as community involvement, site surveys and expert advice as well as trees, planting materials, labour, and tree care and maintenance.

 

New 121 Cafe

New 121 Cafe

19 Dec 2011

The 121 befriending project has recently launched the 121 social café in Tunbridge Wells. The cafe provides a safe and fun environment in which young people can meet new friends and give each other support. Members of the café have overcome their own personal barriers to feel happy and more optimistic about the future.

 

Volunteering medal reintroduced by government

Volunteering medal reintroduced by government

03 Nov 2011

The British Empire Medal, which was awarded as part of the Queen's Honours system to British citizens making a difference in their communities until 1992, will be reintroduced in the Diamond Jubilee Honours list in June next year.

 
 
 
 
 

"I was feeling quite stressed and just needed time out for myself. I joined the 121 Young Carers Project and i've found it much easier to cope - it's good to have other people my own age to share problems with."

A young carer
 
 
 
 
 
 

Who is a Young Carer?

Young Carers are a child or young person looking after a family member with a long-term illness, disability, mental health issues, or drug and alcohol issue. Young Carers take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would be the same as an adult carer.

What does a Young Carer do?

The caring can involve physical care such as personal care for a parent, giving medication, helping someone get up, get dressed or to get around. Or it could mean providing emotional support for someone who has a mental health problem or substance addiction. In addition, many Young Carers are also responsible for looking after younger brothers and sisters and household chores, including budgeting and managing money.

 
 
 

How can their caring role affect them?

Invisible Young Carers that have not been identified can become frustrated by the pressures they are under, this can lead to a domino effect including tiredness, loneliness, disruption in school and often low attendance, most importantly no time to be a child or young person or simply to have fun and relax.

What can 121 Young Carers do to help?

They support Young Carers aged 8-18 in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley by providing;

  • Home visits
  • Meet other young people in similar situations
  • Positive group activities and outings e.g. to the theatre, Bowling, Ice Skating
  • Regular Chill Clubs
  • Workshops e.g.  emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, money management
  • Opportunity to join the 121 Young Carers Forum
 
 
 
 
 

Contact Details

Voluntary Action Within Kent
17-19 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent,
TN1 1LS

Telephone:
01892 530330
Fax:
01892 532539
Email:
info@vawk.org.uk

Offices also throughout Kent and Medway

Registered charity number 1108388
Registered company number 5354482