Spurgeons to support more young carers in Wolverhampton
A children's charity has pledged to support even more young carers looking after loved ones in the city.
About 1,400 young people aged up to the age of 24 care for a family member in need across Wolverhampton.
Now the Wolverhampton-branch of nationwide charity Spurgeons is hoping to support more young carers after it was awarded a new contract by council bosses.
Spurgeons chief executive Ross Hendry said: "Spurgeons has been supporting young carers and their families in Wolverhampton since 1995.
"Our new contract will see us support even more young people who are undertaking caring responsibilities but who may have not yet been identified.
“As part of our national profile of high-quality services for children and families, our services in Wolverhampton focus on identifying, supporting and empowering young carers to minimise the risks and impacts of their caring role and to achieve their full potential.
"We are delighted to be able to continue delivering this service in partnership with Wolverhampton Council.”
About 600 children and young people under the age of 16 and 1,800 young people aged 16 to 24 care for a parent, grandparent, sibling or other relative by providing practical or emotional help.
They will now be able to access an 'enhanced package of support' to help them in their caring role after Spurgeons was granted the new contract by Wolverhampton Council.
It means even more young people will be offered access to a wide range of support based on their needs.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: ""Spurgeons has done a brilliant job for young carers in Wolverhampton for many years, and we are pleased to be able to continue working with them.
"Hundreds of young people in Wolverhampton care for a relative, taking on practical or emotional responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
"The stress and anxiety that this can cause can leave them feeling isolated, and many sadly miss out on their childhood or struggle at school because of the pressures they are facing.
"Clearly it is an incredibly difficult role for a young person to take on, but the fantastic support available from Spurgeons Wolverhampton Young Carers will help them to overcome these challenges."
Spurgeons will host a launch event for workers in the field looking to find out more about the service at All Saints Road's The Workspace from noon until 4pm on January 15.
Contact Spurgeons on 01902 877550.
