Local spotlight - Humankind Darlington Young Carers
During the pandemic many local organisations have suffered hardship with many services temporarily closing. But we'd like to shine the spotlight on those who've worked tirelessly for the Darlington public in keeping their community safe. Today we are featuring Humankind Darlington Young Carers who support young carers age 5-25 and their families to reduce the impact of caring responsibilities.
Cheryl Hunter, Senior Practitioner at Darlington Young Carers kindly shares how they have been making a difference during the pandemic.
Can you tell us about your group, service or organisation and how it started?
Humankind Charity (previously known as DISC) have held the contract for Young Carers Service in Darlington since September 2013. Prior to this our organisation had vast experience in running services for Young Carers having held the contract in County Durham for many years and also we still have the very successful Horizon Young Adult Carers Service in County Durham. We work with Young Carers age 5-25 and their families to reduce the impact of caring responsibilities ultimately ensuring that Young Carers have equal opportunities to their peers to reach their full potential.
Can you share how your group, service or organisation is making a difference and who you have helped?
The Darlington Young Carers service offers one to one support to support with emotional resilience, respite activities, family support and information, advice and guidance. During the pandemic we have been unable to offer activities but have been supporting Young Carers by:
- Holding online support groups including sibling carers support, craft workshops, happiness workshops
- One to one sessions offered via Zoom and Teams apps
- Competitions with prizes including craft kits and cinema vouchers
- Distribution of Well-being Packs with including a very kind donation from Xcel Church in Newton Aycliffe
- Organising of Family Carers Breaks to offer families the opportunity to spend quality time together on a fun activity now the restrictions have eased
- We have received 23 referrals into service during the pandemic where we have able to complete telephone assessments
- We have been keeping in touch with our partner agencies including Social Care, Early Help and education provisions to ensure Young Carers and their families still receive co-ordinated support
- Sharing information via our social media
- Sending regular check-in messages to families
- Organising of food parcels to those in need
Thinking about the pandemic and who you have helped, have you learnt anything from your experience?
This pandemic has shown us new ways of working and coming together to support communities and we are very proud of the Young Carers we work with and the maturity and resilience they have shown to overcome many challenges. We hope that they can take this on board and be proud of themselves!!
What has been a highlight for your group, service or organisation so far?
The highlight for us has been developing new support groups, which we will also be able to use in the future and being able to engage with and find out more about services and support in Darlington via increased use of our social media. We have received lots of lovely compliments form families we worked with for the support we have offered during the pandemic, which we are very grateful for and it is lovely to see how the work we are doing is benefitting the local community.
What are your hopes for the future?
We are of course hoping to get back to normal service very soon and providing much needed respite. We have some bookings which we had to postpone, to reschedule for some fun activities as soon as we are permitted. We also hope that this pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and restrictions have highlighted to the rest of the country the needs of Young Carers who may have experienced an increase in their caring roles and further responsibility for protecting those they care for and that this means Young Carers will continued to be recognised and considered.
Do you have a message or words of encouragement for anyone who needs help or may be worried about lock down restrictions easing?
Although the restrictions are easing so many safety measures are still in place and there are lots of places to seek advice and support from should you need it. For any Young Carers who may be worried get in touch with us on the details below. The lockdown and restrictions have in many places demonstrated how communities have come together to support those in need and we hope this has gone some way to helping you realise that you are not alone.
Their usual office number (01325) 483038 is still available although they are still working remotely so may only be in on occasions. The best way to contact them at present is to email them at dyc@humankindcharity.org.uk or call their Senior Practitioner Cheryl Hunter on 07584 391789. You can also follow and contact them on Facebook and Instagram just search ‘Darlington Young Carers’.
Get in touch
01325 483038
07584 391789
