Our Young Adult Carer Service is here for you.

We are open and running virtually, supporting Carers via message, phone, email, social media and Zoom chat sessions.
We can provide support, information and advice in line with the latest government guidance on COVID-19. Support currently includes:
  • Delivering food parcels and hot meals door step visits
  • Online 1-1 meetings and assessments
  • Safe and well checks
  • Information about ‘What if’ plans
  • Clarification on shielding and supporting those with underlying health conditions
  • Information regarding supermarket initiative shopping times and venues

Hints and Tips for Carers:

  • Self-isolate if unwell
  • Limit the amount of negative news you consume relating to virus; instead watch positive, educational or fun content
  • Revisit hobbies and interests like music or exercise
  • Play board games and quizzes to pass the time

Are you aged 16-25?
Do you care for someone with a disability, illness or addiction?

The YMCA Sutton Coldfield Upbeat Project offers free, tailored support services for Young Adult Carers like you.

From support groups and weekly drop-in sessions to individual life coaching, we can support you and your family and help you to achieve your goals.

We know times are tough.

Please pick up the phone.

You are not alone.

Get in touch

Call: 0121 354 5614 or 07931 277 708

Email: alanburrows@ymcasc.org.uk

Knowing I have someone to talk to on a day-to-day basis is really important. If I took my problems home, it would make things worse for my Mum.

Robin, Young Adult Carer

HOW WE CAN HELP 

The Upbeat Project can support you in areas such as personal development and self-esteem as well as providing access to flexible respite opportunities to combine education, training or employment with a caring role. We aim to empower you and your family and support you with current and future aspirations. Our support services include:

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT 

  • 1-2-1 support and Life Coaching sessions delivered by a qualified Life Coach
  • Full statutory Carer assessment
  • Help and support to obtain an official Carers Card
  • Wellbeing assessment 
  • Online training opportunities 
  • Flexible family crisis support sessions 
  • CV writing, employment opportunities and workshops to improve skills
  • Food parcel service to those experiencing financial difficulties

GROUP SUPPORT

  • Regular drop-in sessions, weekly and monthly, at a local coffee shop and colleges where carers can get help and talk about issues and concerns
  • Workshops throughout the year on a range of useful topics 
  • Respite opportunities and residential trips that offer a chance to socialise, meet other young adult carers, and gain new experiences along the way

WORKSHOPS

We run a variety of FREE workshops on different topics for discussion and friendly debate. The topics support young people moving into our Young Adult Carer service, which have been identified by Young Carers as areas they would find useful.

As a young adult carer, you will be able to ask questions and get a better understanding of your caring role, how it affects you personally, and the likely impact on you both now and in the future.

Our workshops are available for all Young Carers. However, they are particularly helpful for Young Adult Carers aged 17+. Future dates and topics of workshops.

  • Monday 12th February 2024, 1.30pm-3.00pm Healthy Wellbeing Options & Techniques, YMCA Sutton Coldfield, B72 1LE
  • Wednesday 29th May 2024, 1.00pm-2.30pm: Budgeting & Finance for Independent Living, YMCA Sutton Coldfield, B72 1LE

 

For more information, contact Alan on 07931277708 or alanburrows@ymcasc.org.uk.

Or you can email Birmingham Carers Hub at YAC@birminghamcarershub.org.uk.

 

DROP-IN SESSIONS

We offer drop-in sessions for Young Adult Carers to access support, get help from our staff and meet other Young Adult Carers in a friendly, informal setting. 

 

Weekly Drop-In

Call in for a drink and a chat

Coffee #1

Sutton Coldfield

Tuesday

1.00pm – 3.00pm

Monthly College Drop-in Sessions

Our monthly drop-in sessions are at different colleges and community venues each week of the month. Please note they are held during term time (not term breaks)

1st week of the month:

University College Birmingham, Monday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Digbeth College, Wednesday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Handsworth College, Thursday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Joseph Chamberlain College, Friday 10am – 2.00pm

 

2nd week of the month:

Solihull Woodlands College, Wednesday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Bournville College, Thursday 11.30am – 1.00pm

 

3rd week of the month:

Hall Green Campus, Monday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Bordesley Green Campus, Wednesday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Matthew Boulton Campus, Thursday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Sutton Coldfield College, Thursday 11.30am – 1.00pm

 

4th week of the month: 

James Watt Campus, Monday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Sense TouchBase Pears, Thursday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Solihull College, Friday 11.30am – 1.00pm

Get in touch

For an informal chat or to find out how we can help you, contact Alan:

M: 07931 277 708

T: 0121 354 5614

E: alanburrows@ymcasc.org.uk

E: YAC@birminghamcarershub.org.uk