Regional Young Carers Service

The Regional Young Carers Service is delivered in partnership by Action for Children and Barnardo’s NI.

The service supports young carers to address issues identified through Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland (UNOCINI) assessments.

This includes both individual support and group work.

The service also works with the families of young carers and supports the participation of young carers in mainstream services including education, health, youth and community services.

NIRYCS offers young carers a break from caring, a listening ear, information about illnesses, peer support groups, a safe environment to express concerns and worries, advocacy, advice and signposting. Outdoor activities are also offered along with one to one work with the young carer.

A booklet on supporting young carers in school is available to download from the The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership website.

The booklet was developed on a co-design basis with young people involved with the regional service.

iMatter Programme

The Department of Education ‘iMatter’ programme is the overarching vehicle for promoting pupils’ emotional health and wellbeing.

The programme addresses how the entire school community should be engaged in promoting resilient emotional health for all pupils, what support systems are available for vulnerable pupils and what support is available to schools in the event of a crisis.

How to get in contact

You can contact Action for Children and Barnardo’s at the following details:

Action for Children

(in the Southern, South Eastern and Belfast Trust areas)

Telephone: 028 9046 0500

Email: niyoungcarers@actionforchildren.org.uk

Website: www.actionforchildren.org.uk

Barnardo’s

(in the Northern and Western Trust areas)

Telephone: 028 9067 2366

Email: MagherafeltAdminMailbox@Barnardos.org.uk

Website: www.barnardos.org.uk/northern-ireland

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