Help for young carers in Edinburgh
A resource pack for schools aimed at raising awareness of young carers in Edinburgh has been launched today (Wednesday 30 May 2012).
The pack has been developed for secondary schools by Edinburgh Young Carers Project and is funded by Edinburgh Community Health Partnership (CHP), NHS Lothian and City of Edinburgh Council as well as a number of other agencies.
Colin Briggs, General Manager of Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, NHS Lothian and a speaker at the event, said: "Young people who provide care at home, are often hidden carers and it is vital that they know they can access easily the support they need, when they need it.
"I am delighted that we are able to support young people and to increase understanding amongst pupils and teachers."
Children and Families Convener, Cllr Paul Godzik said: "Young carers can find that their responsibilities at home can impact on their school life and that is why it is essential that there is an understanding of the responsibilities they have. These resources will provide vital information for teachers and pupils to recognise and understand those needs, and ensure that young carers can access educational and emotional support whenever they need to."
Audrey Peacocke, Head of Service for Edinburgh Young Carers Project said: "Many of the young people we work with experience multiple problems, including poverty, poor school attendance and bullying. Often they prefer not to tell people about their home life for fear of making their situation worse. We encourage them to come forward so they can receive the support they need."
The resource pack is designed to raise awareness of young carer issues within Edinburgh schools and complements the Curriculum for Excellence and relevant national policy. The pack contains a range of useful resources including lesson plans. In addition, leaflets have been produced and are being distributed to all secondary school pupils in Edinburgh and professional who work with them.
In addition to this launch, a meeting of the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance, hosted by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, is to be held in Edinburgh on the same day.
CASE STUDY
Jack William Oliver Browning is 15 years old and has been caring for his disabled father, John Stuart (57) since he was five years old. John has a number of health issues, including cerebral palsy, rheumatic and rheumatoid arthritis as well as eyesight and hearing impediments.John said: "I'm very proud of Jack who has helped me since the age of five. He helps me by doing the shopping as I can't always reach the shelves, by pushing me uphill when I'm in my manual wheelchair and carrying my photographic equipment when I'm working. It has meant he has missed out and has not had a normal childhood but he has also achieved a lot too."
Through his carer role, Jack has met many famous people including the Pope, Nelson Mandela, the Queen and Prince Charles. Jack and his father live in Drylaw, Edinburgh.
Jack said: "I enjoy helping my dad and I'm glad I am able to support him. He helps me too and is teaching me how to cook. I think the resource pack is a really good idea and will help to raise awareness and understanding of what young carers like myself do."
(Pictured John Stuart with his son Jack William Oliver Browning)
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26/08/2012
The Action Research on Violence Project starts on Wednesday 23rd February 4pm til 5.30pm at the Leith Community Centre Cafe; the pceojrt will run every week from then for 13 weeks. The pceojrt is open for young people aged around 13-16 years from ethnic minority communities in North Edinburgh and Leith, as this part of our local communities has so far not often been offered space to voice their ideas/opinions and perceptions about such a wide and important subject. Run jointly by Shakti and NHS Lothian, and with support from many local BME community and youth support agencies, the sessions will include Forum Theatre sessions (run by Gavin Crichton of Active Inquiry Theatre Company) to investigate the wide topic of Violence'; members will have the chance to develop a forum theatre piece around the themes that emerge from discussions and games. There will also be a chance for people to creatively contribute towards an exhibition containing our ideas, discoveries and possibly questions to other parts of our communities. A daytrip to visit another youth pceojrt is also being planned.A meeting is being held in Norton Park on Friday 18th February 9.30-11.30am for interested parties and stakeholders to learn more about the pceojrt and how you might be able to be involved.Please note: the pceojrt is not a support group or service, nor is it a focus on issues within particular communities it is a research focus group for young people starting a vital conversation about an issue that affects EVERYONE.To book a place at the stakeholders meeting or for more information, please contact Lisa Rigby on 0131 475 2399 or email .
10/12/2012
very intresting