Carers Trust Swansea Bay

Carers Trust Swansea Bay Crossroads Care Service works with over 300 carers, providing on average 90,000 hours of replacement care. Since 1987 we have provided respite care for carers, who provide care for an elderly, frail, ill or disabled friend or relative. We aim to meet the needs of carers by providing them with a much-needed break whilst providing peace of mind that their loved one is well taken care of by a Care Support Worker. Carers Trust Swansea Bay – Young Carers Service supports Young Carers aged 8-18 who care for a loved one who has a disability, a mental health problem, a long term illness or a substance misuse problem. Young Carers take on a variety of tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, preparing meals, helping with parenting tasks to siblings, assisting with mobility and medication etc. Young Carers also provide emotional support, particularly to parents who are experiencing mental health issues. One of the aims of our service is to listen Young Carers and their families, identify their needs and put a support plan in place which minimises the impact of the caring role and where possible reduces the amount of care being provided. In addition to this we raise awareness within education, health and social services about the needs of Young Carers so that they are better prepared to identify young carers and give them the support they need.