There are over 10,000 Young Carers in Kent and according to BBC research there could be another 30,000 hidden Young Carers!  It is important that Young Carers know that they are not alone in their caring role.

Being a Young Carer can have a negative impact on a Young Person such as low confidence and self-esteem, low educational attendance & attainment and poor physical & mental health.  It is Kent Young Carers aim to reduce the negative and highlight the positive impact of being a carer such as increased resilience, empathy, non-judgemental attitude and caring nature.

 Kent Young Carers is the countywide service for Young Carers aged 5-18 across Kent.  Young Carers are taking on caring responsibilities for a family member with a long-term illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse issue.

KYC works with schools, communities, and statutory and voluntary agencies to identify hidden young carers. Following assessment, KYC offer a range of short-term interventions including signposting, one-to-one support, in school support and workshops.  

 For further information please contact the KYC Hub:

Phone 0300 111 1110

Email [email protected] 

Twitter: @KentYoungCarers

Facebook: Imago Young People Support

https://www.imago.community/Children-and-Young-People/Kent-Young-Carers

Did you know that Young Carers can attend clubs, may be eligible for funded short breaks and be entitled to a free school bus pass on transfer to Secondary School?  If you think your child might meet the criteria for being a young carer, you can contact them directly (see above) or ask the school SENCo for advice.

The Inspire Fund:

Dover District Council has an ‘Inspire Fund’ which has been set up to provide funding support for children who are facing challenges.  The fund helps children to create new friendships, introduce them to healthy lifestyles through sport, and to learn new skills.  The fund can be used to pay for a wide variety of things including sports, clubs, drama, music and equipment. 

https://www.dover.gov.uk/Community/Grants-Funding/Inspire-Fund/Inspire-Fund.aspx