More needs doing to help Shropshire's young carers

The statistics are contained in a report from Shropshire Council's Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee which commends the support services available but says more needs to be done to help the county's young carers.

It is estimated that there are around 650 young carers in the county although a report prepared by Shropshire Council health and wellbeing officer Val Cross suggests the number could be higher.

The findings are part of a review by the scrutiny committee, which was asked to look at the services available to support young carers.

It concludes: "Measures are in place for young carers in Shropshire, but there is still more to do. The new Carers Strategy and Action Plan is an opportunity for services to work together and take joint responsibility to improve outcomes for young carers Caring has a known emotional, physical and life chances impact on young people and any steps to alleviate this are vital."

The report, which will be considered at Shirehall next Monday states: "The 2011 census shows us that there are around 34,000 carers in Shropshire. Of these, it is estimated that there around 650 young carers. However, we know that there are many ‘hidden’ young carers, who may feel that they are simply carrying out ordinary responsibilities as part of a family, or be caring for someone with stigmatised conditions such as drugs and alcohol and be reluctant to make their needs known."

Figures released by Shropshire Council to the children's commissioner for England revealed that between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, there were 198 young carers being supported.

Of the 198, more than 75 per cent were supporting someone with mental health problems, and between 50 and 75 per cent were supporting someone with drug or alcohol issues.

The figures show that 10 and to 49 percent were caring for someone with physical health difficulties or learning difficulties.

The report states that the majority of young carers were in the 10 to 15 years age group, but 28 fall into the five to nine years age group.

The committee will be told that a new "All-Age Carers Strategy for Shropshire 2017-2021" has identified a series of priorities, including that carers "are listened to, valued and respected", "are enabled to have time for themselves", "can access timely, to up to date information and advice", "are enabled to plan for the future", and "are able to fulfil their educational, training or employment potential".

The report also outlines a number of other services such as the Carers Trust 4 All, and a consultation with carers to identify their needs.

Some of the key findings from the consultation were that "young carers want to understand more about the medication the person they care for takes, and any side effects", that "many young carers are still not having assessments", and "the importance of a consistent approach to young carers in schools, to enable a better understanding of managing schoolwork and access to further support as needed".

The findings are being used to develop action plans.