Agenda item - Young Carers

Presentation to be given by Mat Thomas (presentation slides attached).

10.1    Elizabeth Freeman, Young Carers Project; Gemma Scambler, Adult Social Care Commissioning and Partnerships Team; and Mat Thomas, Early Help Hub Coordinator introduced and stated that it was the second presentation to come to Children, Young People & Skills Committee in the past municipal year (2015-16) regarding young carers.

10.2    The Committee received a presentation. It was highlighted that a young carers strategy group had been established and had been working on three main areas: getting a picture of the scale of young caring in the city; having clearer areas of responsibility within strategy and delivery; and the development of a consolidated Pathway for Young Carers.

10.3    Elizabeth Freeman outlined a case study to the Committee that highlighted the challenging issues young carers faced and the importance of supporting the young person. The Executive Director of Children’s Services added that the Early Help Hub engaged with the whole family of a young carer and the schools to ensure the individual is fully supported.

10.4    In response to Councillor Penn it was confirmed that mental health professionals had been invited to be a part of the strategy group. It was added that they were trialling a mental health professionals in schools around Brighton & Hove.

10.5    In response to Councillor Barradell it was explained that the strategy group were looking at the language and labelling around young carers and exploring alternatives to ensure all young carers are identified and receiving help.

10.6    RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed to note the update.