Care and Carers

Carers

Family members, neighbours and friends are key service providers for adults and children with disabilities or mental or physical health difficulties, and for frail older people. They have a personal relationship and a special commitment to the person they care for; but they are not paid to provide care.

Alternative Care and Respite Care

Orkney Health and Care can offer children respite for varying periods at Camoran Resource Centre and Aurrida House.

These units aim to provide regular short term breaks for children and young people, by linking them with approved carers who look after them for short periods of time.

Service Provision from Outwith Orkney Islands Council:

The Orkney Carers Centre

The Orkney Carers Centre provides Information, Support and Advocacy for carers and a Young Carers Support project. They also manage an Independent Living Project and can provide support to service users who are in receipt of Direct Payments. During the Easter and summer holidays they support children within the Autistic Spectrum to attend a play scheme at the Pickaquoy Centre.

Who are Young Carers?

Young Carers are children and young people who look after or help look after someone in their family (Mum, Dad, brother, sister, granny, aunt, etc). Many young people do not realise they are carers.

Sometimes having to care can affect the amount of time they can spend on school work, social life, hobbies and interests. Young people often have to help with shopping, housework, cooking, washing or looking after the person they care for.

You may be a Carer

A young carer is defined as anyone under the age of 18 whose life is affected because of the need to take some responsibility for the care of a person who is ill, has a disability, is experiencing mental distress or is affected by drug or alcohol misuse.

Orkney Young Carers Project - Crossroads

Offers support to young carers including:

• Helps to access support for young carers at home, in education and in the community.
• Offer opportunities to meet other young people in a similar situation.
• Will organise meetings and events of interest to young carers.
• Will seek funding to further young carers interests.
• Will treat young carers with respect and dignity.
• Offers a confidential service.

Wanted

If you are a young person who helps to look after someone in your family who has an illness, physical or learning disability, we need you! We would like to give you the opportunity to be involved in what the Orkney Young Carers Project may offer:

• Trips to cinema
• Internet café
• Extra help at home or in school
• Ten pin bowling

Support Groups Contact:

See the link in the Related Sites section to go to The Princess Royal Trust Orkney Carers Centre website.