Jane Hallwood will be providing advice and emotional support to teenagers and adults who are caring for sick relatives in Lynn over the next three years.

Norfolk Carers Support Service has received a £250,000 Big Lottery grant to run the Adolescent into Adulthood Service in Lynn, Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Ms Hallwood and the two other project workers will be filling the service gap for 16-to-24-year-olds.

The project aims to provide social and respite opportunities along with assistance with employment and further education and benefits advice.

Ms Hallwood is looking forward to working with youngsters in the area.

She said: “There are services for younger and older carers but there is nothing necessarily for this age group.

“It does seem very sad to stop working with people at 18 or 19. Some people don’t tend to become carers until that point in their lives.

“This is an important time as things change for young carers at this age. Some may feel that they want to look at further education or university and how they can manage that with their caring responsibilities.

“I am hoping my role will make a big difference.”

The service was launched on April 2 and Ms Hallwood will be looking to work with a minimum of 25 young carers.

She will be offering one-to-one support to carers.

She said: “To start off I will be listening to them and helping to identify what their needs and goals are.

“It all very much depends on the individual. Some may appreciate talking things through while others would want more particular support which could include linking them up to a service or taking them to a college open day.

“Ultimately we want to improve their situation and how they feel.”

Ms Hallwood has 16-years experience of working with young people in homeless and refugee services.

For more information on the service contact Ms Hallwood on 07745 308638.

Alternatively go to: www.facebook.com or www.twitter.com/acatransitions

http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/community/