The Monday Chill Out Group @ Riverside YC 5.30 - 7pm

Young people attending this group are given ongoing help, support and coping strategies to deal with often, an overwhelming burden of caring responsibilities, not just for parents, but for siblings and other family members also. Each week, a nutritious meal is provided, and the opportunity for these young carers to take time out, have a breather, and some much needed 'me' time. We work hard to create a safe and nurturing environment where young people are able to share the load, and feel heard.

Young carers can often feel isolated, and 'different' from their peers as their lives carry a much higher degree of family responsibility than most young people of the same age. They often don't have the same 'freedoms' as other young people because of those responsibilities. We need to ensure that these young people have their own needs met too. Ongoing group support enables them to feel less 'alone' and the mutual understanding created in the group encourages a vital and solid support network.

We hope that young people will realise they are not alone. They will be able to create a solid support network, and develop the necessary skills and strategies to enable them to cope with daily life more effectively. Whilst we cannot change their circumstances, we can offer a solid commitment to these young people that we recognise and acknowledge just how tough daily life can be at times, and that we can work together to try and create something just for them, based on their individual needs.