Young Carer Services (5-15)
Carers Lewisham provides several support services for Young Carers between the ages of 5-15 living in the borough of Lewisham. These services include respite trips during school term breaks, after-school drop-in sessions during term time (8-15), signposting to other support services including mental health counselling, and assistance in applying for limited grant funds. Families wishing to access our services must be referred to the Young Carers Programme by a school or professional working with the family as we no longer accept self-referrals.
Young Adult Carer Services (16-25)
Carers Lewisham provides many support services for Young Adult Carers between the ages of 16-25 living in the borough of Lewisham, which differ from those offered to the Young Carers. Our services include group respite trips and activities, assistance with finding volunteer opportunities or job placement, CV and interviewing skills help, workshops in financial literacy and well-being, funding for vocational training, and assistance in applying for other grant funds. Young Adult Carers 16-25 can self-refer to our service or they can be referred by a school or other professional.
Raising Awareness About Young Carers
Our Young Carers team is eager to raise awareness about Young Carers in Lewisham and participates in outreach events around the borough. We also present at school assemblies to educate students and staff about ‘What is a Young Carer?’ and how to best support them. If you’d like us to do outreach at your event or school, please contact us at 020 8699 8686 or email: info@carerslewisham.org.uk.
Parent Carers of Children under 18: Support has ended
As of April 2019, Carers Lewisham is no longer contracted to support Parent Carers who are caring for a child under the age of 18. Please reach out to the charities below that still support Parent Carers of young children in Lewisham:
CONTACT (formerly Contact A Family): National charity for families with disabled children up to 25 years old.
Call: 020 8297 8056
Website: www.cafamily.org.uk
NAS (The National Autistic Society): Lewisham Autistic Service is for children post diagnosis. The leading UK charity for autistic people, including those with Asperger’s Syndrome, and their families.
Call: 020 7635 9022
Website: www.autism.org.uk
ADVICE LEWISHAM: A hub of advice organisations
Freephone advice line: 020 8800 5453
Supporting Young Carers in Schools
Please visit our Schools & Education page for more information.