Include Programme. Find out more. Support and advice if you have a parent with a disability or illness

Transcription

1 Include Programme Find out more Support and advice if you have a parent with a disability or illness

2 What is a disability? A disability could be lots of things. It s something that you find makes a difference to your everyday life. Which might be physical or mental. What this means, is that a disabled person might need to use a wheelchair or it could mean that their brain might work in a different way to other people. This isn t a bad thing; it just shows how different we all are to each other. A disability might include: Physical disabilities Speech, language and communication problems A long term health condition Mental illness Difficulty seeing and hearing Alcohol or substance misuse problems. Having a parent with a disability can be tough at times but also really rewarding. There are many people like you so it s important to remember you are not alone. This leaflet aims to give you some information and advice to help and support you.

3 I don t want to be different, I am worried they will just tease me again about Dad and the way he is... so I just keep quiet

4 How can having a parent with a disability affect you? Having a parent with a disability can make a difference to the way you feel and talk about things. You might have extra worries. You re not alone though and some of the following sentences describe how you could be feeling. Some things you might be experiencing are: Worrying about your Mum or Dad Problems at school such as finishing homework or getting to class on time Lack of time to see your friends or take part in activities/sports Extra responsibilities at home Feeling embarrassed

5 Feeling embarrassed Hearing unkind comments from others about Mum or Dad Being bullied Disturbed sleep. Some of the questions you might want to ask: Is there someone who can explain what is the matter with my parent? Can I do anything to make their lives easier? What could I do in an emergency? It is normal to have a mixture of feelings.

6 It was when I happened to fall asleep in class that they found out my mum was ill... I didn t used to talk to anyone. I suppose that was my own fault but then, I didn t know anyone was interested

7 What is a young carer? A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who helps to look after someone at home. This may include: Helping with jobs around the house Giving personal care such as washing, dressing and assisting with toilet requirements Giving medication, changing dressings Giving emotional support by chatting and listening to problems Translating, if English is not your first language Help with communication if someone at home uses sign language or has trouble speaking Helping to care for younger brothers and sisters. In 2001, it was estimated that there are 175,000 young carers in the United Kingdom. There is support available for young carers, find out if there s a group near you at

8 Bullying Some children tell us they get bullied. Bullying may make you feel scared, vulnerable and quite alone. No one deserves to be bullied yet 31% of children experience bullying from other children. Stamp out bullying by talking to someone you trust. Remember you are important too! What can I do?

9 We wouldn t want to give up caring because we love them too much. If we gave up caring we would have to change our whole way of life, but we would like help and for people to take notice of us.

10 What can I do? Whether or not you are a young carer you and your family deserve help and support. Here are a few tips for you. Find someone you trust to share your thoughts and feelings. Try not to keep them to yourself. Perhaps you could speak to a school counsellor. Try to explain to teachers why you may not have finished your homework or why you may be late. Your parents may be able to help you do this. Try to find some time for yourself and do something you enjoy doing. You could join a Young Carers Group. Go to for more information. You may be able to attend meetings about your Mum or Dad. Try to share your views, they are very important. Use your experience positively.

11 It s knowing that there is all this group behind you... there when you are feeling a bit low and all you have to do is phone someone up and you know that you have always got people stood behind you, who are caring for you...

12 Useful contacts The National Young Carers Initiative Include Programme. The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Advice about bullying. Age appropriate information on disease and illness. or Free helpline for children. or Free helpline. or Help with children s and young peoples mental health. Helping families care for disabled children. or Drug information and advice. or Medical advice.

13 or Medical advice. or Minds, Myths and Me, a fact pack for young people 12+ who live with someone with a mental illness. Information for children affected by a parent s drinking. Information and support for young carers.

14 Who we are The Include Programme makes childhood better for young carers in the UK. We campaign for change and promote best practice and work in partnership with social workers, teachers and health care professionals to deliver solutions that consider the needs of the whole family. We want to prevent young carers undertaking inappropriate care which affects their own physical and emotional well-being and give them back their childhood. We give children the hope and confidence they need to face the future with optimism. We never turn away. Leaflet developed by young people and Hampshire Include Programme This information is available in other formats The Children s Society 2011 Photographs modelled for The Children s Society Photographs: Larry Bray, Nick David The Children s Society is a registered charity number