What we do
Exploration:
Our Exploration Programme
New Young Carers are invited to our Young Carers Exploration Programme (Getting to Know Me). This short programme introduces the young carers to the team and enables them to meet new friends in a smaller setting.
During this journey, we explore what it means to be a young carer, helping young people understand how the illness, disability, mental health condition, addiction or additional needs of someone in their family can affect their own lives. We explore the challenges young carers may face and provide practical tools and wellbeing resources to help build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing. This programme is more than just an introduction; it provides a strong foundation that helps young carers develop the skills and self-belief to thrive now and in the future.
Sessions are held on a Thursday evening bi-weekly on an invite-only basis.
Upon completing this Exploration Programme, participants gain access to various respite activities for further support and enjoyment.
Interested families or professionals can refer a young carer to our programme through our online referral system. Click here to start the referral process.
Respite Activities:
Taking a Breather: Respite Opportunities for Young Carers
At Basingstoke & District Young Carers, we understand the importance of stepping back and taking a well-deserved break. Our respite sessions are designed to offer young carers a temporary escape from their day-to-day responsibilities.
Respite support youth clubs are scheduled as follows:
- Bi-weekly on Thursdays: For young carers in Years 9, 10, 11, and college attendees from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Bi-weekly on Thursdays: For young carers in Years 4, 5, and 6 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm and those in Years 7 and 8 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Dates will be communicated through our Facebook page.
Location: The Warren, on Long Cross Lane, Basingstoke RG22 4XF
To access our respite activities, a referral is required. A family member or a professional can do this. For online referrals, please click here.
Family Support:
Supporting the Whole Family: A Comprehensive Approach
Our philosophy centres on helping the young carer and the entire family unit. Understanding that practical support extends beyond the individual, we initiate our process with a comprehensive assessment through a home visit or a phone consultation. This allows us to gauge the level of support for the family.
Following this assessment, we collaborate closely with the family to develop a tailored action plan. This plan ensures that a wide range of support options are considered and implemented to provide a support system for everyone involved. Our goal is to ensure that the young carers and the adult family members, including those in the extended family, have the resources and support they need to thrive together as a unit.
