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Carers stories
Am I a carer?
Combining education with care
The ups and downs
Looking after yourself
Dealing with bullies
Growing up as a carer
How to communicate
Communicate with friends and peers
Dreaming about your future
Who can help?
Join the community

Who can help?

Who can help?

When you are a young carer, you may end up feeling alone, like the people around you don’t understand what you are feeling, thinking and dealing with.

In reality, there are many different people who can help you, but they may not realise what you are going through if you don’t tell them about it.

Remember: It is not weak to ask for help!

Being a young carer is extremely tough and there is no reason for you to try to manage alone.

Friends and relatives are often the first people to turn to for help with problems. Talking things through with them can be really helpful.

School professionals can be a valid support, too. Not just teachers, but also school nurses, year coordinators, counsellors.

In some countries, there are services dedicated specifically to young carers. In countries where this is not the case yet, there will be for sure youth services you can turn to: a youth centre, a youth club or sports and recreational facility where young people can hang out, talk to a worker and meet other young people.

Youth Centres often have a good idea about what other services and supports are available and can hook you up with people who can help you with your caring. Youth health centres are like youth centres but they might have doctors, nurses and counsellors to help you with any health issues you have.

Social workers can help your family if there are problems that you and your family members are finding hard to sort out on your own.

There are also numerous organisations you can approach for help: carers’ organisations or organisations that support people with different conditions.

Try to remember that these services’ top priority is to help you and your loved ones. If you feel like you need a bit of extra help or support, they have got your back!

Little Dreamers is Australia’s leading Young Carer support organisation.

They have six tailored direct support programs that work with Young Carers and their families to enhance their quality of life and overall wellbeing.

From cities to rural farms, they work in every corner of Australia ensuring Young Carers are never left out, forgotten or lonely.

They are also passionate advocates for Young Carers, with a big focus on Government policy and school and workplace carers accreditation.

Non-profit organisations for young carers:

Tu as entre 7 et 25 ans, un membre de ta famille souffre de troubles psychiques

Le plus souvent quand on vit ce type de situation on n’ose pas en parler, on peut se sentir seul, la tête remplie de questions et de doutes. Les Funambules-Falret sont là pour toi : entretien individuel, groupe d’échange, chat, médiathèque. Accueil gratuit et confidentiel.

https://falret.org/services-etablissements/etablissements-services-les-funambules/

Tu peux aussi prendre rendez-vous en ligne ou par téléphone sur www.jefpsy.org

AIUTO E SUPPORTO

Avere un supporto, sia di adulti che di tuoi coetanei, è importante. Puoi parlare con qualcuno di cui ti fidi o cercare aiuto da parte di operatori professionali, come gli assistenti sociali, gli educatori, gli psicologi che lavorano sul tuo territorio.

Potresti cercare ad esempio il Consultorio Familiare (che a volte si chiama Consultorio Giovani o Spazio Giovani): un servizio gratuiti a cui si può accedere senza la ricetta del medico dove potrai parlare con uno psicologo delle tue difficoltà. Puoi andare al consultorio anche per problematiche riguardanti la sessualità e la contraccezione.

Ci sono anche alcuni riferimenti nazionali che è importante conoscere:

Pronto Telefono Azzurro 1.96.96. Si possono mettere in contatto bambini o adolescenti che vogliono raccontare delle difficoltà che stanno vivendo oppure adulti che vogliono parlare di problemi che coinvolgono minorenni.

Chat Telefono Azzurro http://www.azzurro.it  collegandosi al sito internet è possibile chattare con degli operatori, anche anonimamente. La chat è disponibile dal Lunedì al Venerdì dalle 8:00 alle 22:00. Sabato e Domenica dalle 8:00 alle 20:00.

Questa sezione è tratta dal libro di Stefania Buoni “Quando mamma o papà hanno qualcosa che non va”

EMERGENZE

In caso di emergenza ci sono due numeri

Numero unico di emergenza gratuito 112 Risponde un operatore che ti metterà in contatto con gli organi di competenza, in base alla tua necessità (es. ambulanza, carabinieri, vigili del fuoco etc…).

Se non attivo è possibile contattare i seguenti numeri di emergenza: 112 (carabinieri); 113 (polizia); 114 (emergenza infanzia); 115 (vigili del fuoco); 118 (emergenza sanitaria)

Emergenza Infanzia 114 E’ un numero di emergenza creato dal Dipartimento per le Pari Opportunità al quale ci si può rivolgere nei casi in cui un bambino o un adolescente siano in pericolo. È attivo tutti i giorni 24 ore su 24 raggiungibile sia da telefono fisso sia mobile e attraverso la chat del sito: www.114.it. Possono chiamare ragazzi ma anche adulti che vogliano segnalare situazioni di emergenza e servizi ed istituzioni coinvolte nella tutela di bambini e adolescenti.

Questa sezione è tratta dal libro di Stefania Buoni “Quando mamma o papà hanno qualcosa che non va”

Do you want to know more on what is available for young carers in the Netherlands? Please visit the website of the national careres organization MantelzorgNL to learn more on what caregiving is, and what type of support is offered in your region. If you want to talk with somebody you can also contact the Mantelzorglijn of MantelzorgNL or visit their Facebook page.

On this website you can find an overview of other organisations that assist young carers in the Netherlands.

Non-profit organisations for young carers:

Do you have a parent, close relative or friend who has a serious illness, mental ill-health, disability, or addiction? Or do you have a parent who unexpectedly died? Here is a collection of websites where you can get support:

 

1177- Våga berätta (Dare to tell)
Do you live with a secret that makes you sad or worried? Then you should not have to be alone with it. You have the right to get the help you need to feel good.

Våga berätta refers to most of the support functions in Sweden.
https://vaga-beratta.1177.se/world/

 

BRIS – Barnens Rätt I Samhället (Children’s Rights in Society)
BRIS acts as a link between children, adults and society. Children and adolescents up to 18 years can turn to BRIS anonymously and free of charge when they need support from an adult.
https://www.bris.se/?pageID=327

 

Kuling (Gale)
A forum for young people who have a parent with mental illness.
http://www.kuling.nu/

 

Livlinan (Lifeline)
Livlinan is a site for you who are young and live close to someone who have mental ill-health.
http://www.livlinan.org/

 

Maskrosbarn (Dandelion Children) 
Maskrosbarn is a non-profit association that supports young people who have parents with substance abuse and/or mental ill-health.
https://maskrosbarn.org/

 

Trygga Barnen (Safe Children)

Trygga Barnen is a non-profit children’s rights organization that supports children and young people who grow up in families with addiction and/or mental ill-health. We are available 365 days a year.
https://www.tryggabarnen.org/

 

Koll på SOC (Check on SOC)
A website aimed at children and young people with information about what the social care services do. The website is operated by the Children’s Ombudsman.

https://kollpasoc.se/

 

Bufff
Children and adolescents with a parent or other family member in prison. Many children and adolescents have a family member in prison, custody or other forms of criminal care. Bufff is a non-profit children’s rights organization that works to improve conditions and provide support to children and adolescents.

https://bufff.nu/

 

Randiga huset (Stripy house)
For children and adolescents who have lost someone close to them. Grieving means preparing to move on in life. We who works at Randiga Huset know that it can be of great help to meet others who have been through a similar situation. Here you can get help whether you yourself are affected or know someone who is affected.

https://www.randigahuset.se/

 

Nära Cancer (Close to Cancer)
For you who are young and are close to someone who has cancer, or close to someone who has died from the disease. Through Nära Cancer you will meet other young people in similar situations and can get your questions answered by healthcare professionals. You will gain knowledge of the area through texts, films and radio programs.

https://www.naracancer.se/

 

Drugsmart
At Drugsmart you will find information about alcohol and other drugs. If you do not find the information you are looking for, you can ask an anonymous question to our experts.

https://www.drugsmart.com/

Specific Young Carers Support

Specific support regarding health-related issues

Addiction

  • mamatrinkt.ch, www.papatrinkt.ch – Webseite für Kinder und für Jugendliche aus alkoholbelasteten Familien mit Forum
  • Bobys Geschichten – https://boby.suchtschweiz.ch/ Informationen und pädagogische Materialien zum Thema „Kinder aus suchtbelasteten Familien“ Bobys Geschichten und die dazugehörigen Materialien unterstützen Sie, das Thema einer elterlichen Suchterkrankung zur Sprache zu bringen.
  • Gemeinsam stark! Kurs für suchtbetroffene Eltern und ihre Kinder – https://www.archezuerich.ch/arche-fuer-familien/fuer-ratsuchende/gemeinsam-stark-ein-kurs-fuer-suchtbetroffene-eltern-und-ihre Kinder erziehen, ihnen Grenzen setzen und Freiheiten lassen, sie altersgerecht fördern und fordern – diesen Herausforderungen stehen alle Eltern gegenüber. Im Kurs “Gemeinsam stark!” der Arche für Familien in Zürich werden die Erziehungskompetenzen suchtbetroffener Eltern gestärkt und das Selbstwertgefühl der Kinder gefestigt.

Cancer

Multiple Sklerose

  • Kinderwebsite: Vier Freunde erklären MS – http://www.ms-kids.ch/de richtet sich an Kinder, Eltern und Schulklassen und spricht vor allem Kinder von 4 bis 10 Jahren an. Die Website deckt das Thema MS illustrativ und informativ ab. Ausmalbilder, ein Quiz und die Möglichkeit, eigene Geschichten und Fragen hochzuladen runden das Angebot ab. Die Website steht in Deutsch, Französisch und Italienisch zur Verfügung.
  • MS-Kindercamp – https://www.multiplesklerose.ch/de/unsere-angebote/ferien-entlastung/kindercamp/ Das MS-Kindercamp dauert eine Woche und findet in den Sommerferien statt. Wir achten darauf, dass sämtliche Kantone in dieser Woche frei haben. Die Teilnahme am Kindercamp ist kostenlos. Somit ermöglichen wir allen Familien gleichermassen von diesem Angebot zu profitieren

Brain injury

Mental Illness

  • Kontaktstellennetz IKS – https://www.kinderseele.ch/angebote/hilfe-finden/# Oftmals wissen Betroffene oder Personen aus deren Umfeld nicht, an wen sie sich wenden können und wo sie die richtige Unterstützung erhalten. In unserem neuen Kontaktstellennetz können Betroffene, deren Umfeld, Fachpersonen und andere Interessierte in der ganzen Deutschschweiz einfach und schnell Unterstützungs- und Entlastungsangebote in ihrer Region finden.
  • MindMatters – Radix https://www.radix.ch/Gesunde-Schulen/Psychische-Gesundheit/MindMatters/PUEFS/MindMatters ist ein erprobtes und wissenschaftlich fundiertes Programm zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit in den Zyklen I, II und III sowie für den Übergang in Ausbildung und Beruf. Es fördert gezielt die Lebenskompetenzen und bezieht die gesamte Schule ein (Settingansatz). MindMatters setzt beim Bildungsauftrag der Schule an und unterstützt den Weg zur gesundheitsfördernden Schule. MindMatters umfasst stufenspezifische Module, Weiterbildungen und eine Begleitung der Schulen vor Ort. MindMatters richtet sich nebst Schülerinnen und Schülern auch an Schulleitungen, Lehrpersonen, Eltern, nicht-unterrichtendes Personal und an das schulische Umfeld.
  • Educative Film – Pro Mente Sana https://www.promentesana.ch/de/angebote/shop/kategorie/audiovisuelle-medien.html
  • Haus Konkreet http://haus.konkreet.ch/ – Der Verein Haus konkreet engagiert sich im Bereich Prävention Psychische Gesundheit von Kindern, Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen. Sie organisieren Kursen für Kinder und Jugendliche mit psychisch belastetem Umfeld, Ferienangebote für Kinder und Jugendliche mit belastetem Alltag und Beratung für Kinder und Jugendliche.

 

More general support options

  • Pro Juventute Peer Chat – https://www.147.ch/de/peer-chat/ Manchmal ist es einfacher, sich über die eigene Situation mit Gleichaltrigen auszutauschen. Oft haben sie ähnliche Erfahrungen gemacht oder kennen zumindest das Problem. Genau das kannst du hier — ohne Anmeldung, vertraulich und kostenlos.
  • Help for Family https://www.help-for-family.ch/verein/ – Help for Family engagiert sich für Familien in der Schweiz, die finanzielle Sorgen haben, mit günstigen, bzw. kostenlosen Lebensmitteln und vielem mehr.
  • Projekt Barca http://www.kinderprojekt-barca.ch/home – Ein kreativer Raum für das Kind. Das Angebot bietet den Kindern Raum für Gespräche und kreative Aktivitäten wie Musizieren, Tanz und Bewegung, Geschichten-Erzählen, Theaterspielen, Malen und Gestalten. Bei jedem Treffen wählen die Kinder und Jugendlichen selbst, was sie tun wollen und worüber sie sprechen möchten. Ihre Bedürfnisse, ihr Kind-Sein, das spielerische «Verdauen» von schwierigen Situationen stehen dabei im Vordergrund.
  • Die Dargebotene Hand https://www.143.ch/ – Die Dargebotene Hand ist ein Zusammenschluss von zwölf lokal und regional verankerten, unabhängigen Organisationen unter einem gesamtschweizerischen Dachverband. Die Dargebotene Hand ist offen für alle Menschen, unabhängig von Religion, Kultur und Herkunft. Die Regionalstellen bieten je eigenständige Beratungsdienste via Tel 143 oder per Online an.
  • Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz https://gesundheitsfoerderung.ch/ – Gemeinsam mit engagierten Kantonen setzen wir kantonale Aktionsprogramme (KAP) zu den Themen Ernährung, Bewegung und Psychische Gesundheit und den Zielgruppen Kinder und Jugendliche sowie ältere Menschen um.
  • Zürich Beratungsstelle für Jugendliche https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/sd/de/index/familien_kinder_jugendliche/jugendliche/jugendberatung.html – Psychologische Beratungsstelle für Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene bis 25 Jahre, die in der Stadt Zürich wohnen – unkompliziert, kostenlos und auf Wunsch auch anonym. Die Angebote richten sich auch an Eltern und Fachpersonen, die mit Jugendlichen arbeiten.
  • Kinderschutzgruppe Kinderspital https://www.kispi.uzh.ch/de/patienten-und-angehoerige/fachbereiche/kinderschutz/Seiten/default.aspx – Die Kinderschutzgruppe und Opferberatungsstelle am Kinderspital entstand in den 1960er Jahren. Sie befasst sich mit Säuglingen, Kindern und Jugendlichen, die gesichert oder vermutlich Opfer einer Misshandlung wurden oder gefährdet sind, misshandelt zu werden.​ ​Im Sinne des eidgenössischen Opferhilfegesetzes ist die Kinderschutzgruppe seit dem
    Januar 1994 als Opferberatungsstelle vom Regierungsrat des Kantons Zürich anerkannt.​
  • Häsch Ziit? https://haeschziit.ch/ – Eine seriöse Plattform für anonymen – ehrlichen – inspirierenden Austausch rund um die Uhr. Für Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene ab 17 Jahren in der Deutschschweiz.
  • Feel-ok https://www.feel-ok.ch/de_CH/jugendliche/jugendliche.cfm – feel-ok.ch ist eine Facheinheit der Schweizerischen Gesundheitsstiftung RADIX und ein internetbasiertes Interventionsprogramm für Jugendliche.
  • ch https://www.ciao.ch/ – ciao.ch ist eine Website, die von der Association romande CIAO verwaltet und finanziert wird und sich an junge Menschen in der Westschweiz im Alter von 11 bis 20 Jahren richtet.

Emergencies

Please see the list of services below that can be contacted in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Services: If there is a life-threatening emergency, immediate risk of harm or a criminal act has been committed, call 999 (freephone) immediately to request assistance.

If you have a medical problem or require medical advice call 111 (freephone). Information is available on their website: www.nhs.uk.

Samaritans: Provide twenty-four-hour support if you need to talk.

Help & Support

Please see the list of services below that can be contacted for further support.

The Mix: Provide information and advice to young people under the age of 25. This includes advice on matters such as mental health, relationships and money. The Mix has a free crisis messenger, refer to their website for the details of how to access this.

The Children’s Society: Works with children and young people. There website provides information about the projects they are currently involved in and local services. You can live chat with the Supporter Care Team who are there to help from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.

Carers Trust; Barnados, and Imago for the UK.

 

 

Childline: Provide a twenty-four-hour service to young people under 19-years-old in the UK. They provide advice and information and access to a counselling service. They have a For Me: The Childline app, for information about this and how to download the app go to the Childline website.

Young Minds: Provide information about looking after yourself, coping with mental health issues, feelings, symptoms and conditions. Young Minds have a free 24-hour crisis messenger if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. The details of this service can be found on the Young Minds website.

Kooth: Provide free & anonymous online support for young people. You can read articles written by young people, speak with a counsellor and access support from the Kooth community.

  • Website: www.kooth.com
    Monday – Friday: 12pm-10pm
    Saturday -Sunday: 6pm-10pm

There is also support and advice available from your local Carers Trust Network Partner. To find your local service, please use the location search on the following website: https://carers.org

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