Young Carers
A young carer is a child or young person whose life is affected by looking after someone with a long term illness or disability. The person they care for may be a parent, sibling, another family member or a friend and may not necessarily live in the same house as them. The care they give may be practical, physical, or emotional. The terms "disability" and "long term illness" do not mean just a physical disability or illness but also cover, for example, mental illness, learning disability, substance misuse, frailty or old age. Their caring role may also be prohibiting them from accessing the same opportunities as other young people their age.
Based in Pointers Drop in Centre in Stornoway, the Pointers Young Carers Project provides activities and services based on the requirements of the young carers who attend.
The aim of the group is to identify young carers who are coping without adequate support in the Western Isles, to uncover the issues they face and to help support them and tackle these issues.
All young people who take up the services of the Pointers Young Carers Project will receive support and the opportunity to speak confidentially about the issues they experience.
Young people will be offered free transport, free meals and free respite care can be provided in the home by Crossroads Caring Lewis. There will also be an opportunity to take part in various fun activities on offer such as bowling, crafts, workshops, segways and much more!
If you know someone who might be a young carer and would like more information on Pointers Young Carers Project please complete the Referral Form or contact Pointers:
Contact Us
Tel: 01851 822713 / 822714
Mail: Pointers Drop in Centre, 14-16 North Beach Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2XJ
E-mail: pointers@cne-siar.gov.uk