If you are not happy with the way your case has been handled, then you may want to consider making a complaint with the Patient Client Council.
For information about how the Patient Client Council can help and to request support, click here.
If you need help or advice, you can speak to one of our free legal advisors by:
Email: ree@childrenslawcentre.org
Free Phone: 08088085678
The carer’s assessment carried out by your Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust or by the NI Regional Young Carers Service should indicate if you don’t want to be a young carer. You cannot be forced to be a young carer and it might be appropriate for your parents/siblings to get support from someone else.
If you are 16+ and provide at least 35 hours care each week for someone who is ill or has a disability, you may be able to receive a Carer’s Allowance.
To find out more about Carer’s Allowance click here.
You may also be able to receive a carer’s grant which is money you do not need to repay to help with things such as repairs, equipment and bills. You can speak to your Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust or NI Regional Young Carers Service worker to find out more about the money are entitled to.
For more information or advice, you can contact one of our legal advisors by:
Email: ree@childrenslawcentre.org
Free Phone: 08088085678
The Northern Ireland Regional Young Carers Service (NIRYCS) is delivered in partnership by agencies including Action for Children and Barnardo’s NI. These services can offer you a break from caring, a listening ear, individual support, information about illnesses, peer support groups, personal development, group work programmes, fun social activities, a voice, a safe environment to express concerns and worries, advocacy, advice and signposting.
Both Action for Children and Barnardo’s employ staff who will meet with young carers referred to them, complete an assessment of your needs and then agree and deliver a package of support appropriate to your needs.
Which service you contact will depend what area you live in. If you live within the Belfast, South or South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Areas, you should contact:
Action for Children
Loughshore House 10 Heron Road
Belfast
BT3 9LE
Phone: 028 9046 0500
Email: niyoungcarers@actionforchildren.org.uk
If you live within the Northern or Western Health and Social Care Trust Areas, you should contact:
Barnardo’s NI
36a Westland Road
Magherafelt
BT45 5AY
Phone: 028 7963 1344
If you are aged between 8-18 and have a substantial caring role for a member of your family, you can get help from the Northern Ireland Regional Young Carers Service.
Different organisations will be able to offer you different help and support depending on what your needs are, however the most common things that organisations can do for you include:
• Organising outings and activities for you
• Giving you carers advice and emotional support
• Helping you and your family to get support from social services
• Talking to your school so teachers understand your situation and can be supportive
• Letting you know about drop-in centres where you can take a break, have fun and meet other young carers