Torfaen Young Carers

Who we support?

Torfaen Young Carers Service supports unpaid carers aged under 18. The Welsh Government defines young carers as ‘children and young people who help look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled, has mental health problems or is affected by substance misuse’.

What support is available?

Councils have a responsibility for the well-being of young carers and must ensure that they receive the necessary support. In Torfaen, we genuinely acknowledge the important role young carers play and we provide support and leisure opportunities to enable young carers to experience age appropriate activities and social relationships.

Torfaen Young Carers Service currently supports over 140 young carers. These young carers needs have been assessed and support is being provided. The support may include;

• One to one support
• Social groups
• Training
• Residential and trips
• Someone to talk to, to reduce worry, stress and isolation
• A break from their caring responsibilities and to meet other young carers

Who else the service works with?

Torfaen Young Carers Service works in partnership with:

• Youth Service
• Torfaen Play
• Sports Development
• Pontypool Youth Council
• Other third sector organisations including The Carers Trust South East Wales, Gwent Wild Life Trust and Honeypot for the better outcomes of our young carers.

Young Carer ID (Card Scheme)

The Young Carer ID Card is a photo ID Card issued by Torfaen County Borough Council to Young Carers who have registered with Torfaen County Borough Council’s Young Carers Service and request a card. The scheme was launched in Torfaen on 15^th March 2021.

The Young Carer ID Card verifies that the person shown on the card is a Young Carer with caring responsibilities. Young Carers do not need to be working with the Young Carers Service to access the ID Card.

Young Carer ID Card is free and it lasts for 2 years.

The national ID card scheme, funded by Welsh Government, has been developed as a partnership between Carers Trust Wales and all local authorities across Wales, working to test and develop a nation-wide approach to improving the experiences young carers have in health, social care and education settings.

The Young Carers ID Card will provide photo-identification for any young carer aged under 18 who would like one. This will enable them to easily identify themselves to professionals without having to share personal details about their caring role. The ID card in Torfaen will include benefits from Torfaen Leisure Trust such as free swimming and access to gym and fitness classes.