Agenda item

To Receive  the Young Carers Annual Report 2020/2021.

The Service Manager – Carers, Engagement and Direct Payment welcomed the opportunity to present the Board with an update on the work that had been carried out with young carers in Rhondda, Cynon, Taf. The Service Manager also highlighted the vast amount of work that had been carried out during the pandemic.

Members of the Board were reminded of the reviews that had been carried out since 2018 in relation to the care support services in RCT and the Service Manger highlighted some key point below which the Board were asked to acknowledge:

·         The young carers support service changed their support during the pandemic to provide more one-to-one session instead of group support. The most vulnerable were prioritised. At times when restrictions were eased, they were able to bring young carers together in smaller groups. Online support has worked well for the older young carers (aged 11+) but is not a substitute for face-to-face support.

·         Referral rates for assessment of young carers dropped during the lockdowns and were closely linked to whether or not the schools were open. During Q1 2021/2022 the referral rate was above average.

·         Securing online access for young carers was a priority during the pandemic and was achieved in many ways, including liaising with schools, delivering Chromebooks with mobile Wi-Fi and facilitating grant schemes for purchase of digital equipment.

·         Efforts are being made to secure ongoing funding and resources to deliver specific support to sibling carers, who often have different needs to young carers. During 2021/2022 a pilot project will be funded to deliver outcome-focussed support over an intensive 6-week period. The course will concentrate on emotional wellbeing.

·         RCT launched the Young Carer Card in March 2021. The card is a Wales-wide initiative led by Welsh Government and RCT were one of the early adopters of the scheme. A promotional video was launched during Carers Week 2021. The card allows young carers to highlight their role to education and health professionals without needing to tell their full story, and in time it is envisaged the card could be used to receive discounts and other benefits.   

The Service Manger concluded her report by explaining that young carers were significantly affected by the pandemic and support services going forward will need to focus on dealing with ongoing consequences. The service will aim to adopt an all age cohesive service approach to unpaid carers. The Service Manger highlighted the commissioned young carer service due to co-locate with the Cares Support Project from September along with the new National Plan for unpaid carers will inform regional and local carers strategies and priorities.

The Chair thank the Officer for her comprehensive report and open up the meeting for Members questions and observations.

Members requested clarity on the numbers of referrals during the first stage of the pandemic and asked if going forward there would be a return to face to face support. In reply the officer explained that going forward there would be a hybrid approach which seems to work more effectively with older young carers. If a young carer needed a more one to one approach then this would be put in place to accommodate their needs.

Members praised the ID cards for young carers and complemented the National Scheme. Officers again highlighted the promotional film of Young Carers and welcome the opportunity to watch and share it with a wider audience.

Further discussion to place and Members RESOLVED to:

·         Acknowledge the information within the report; and

·         Receive the link to the film around Young Carers and the Young Carer Project.