DEVON Young Carers, a consortium of four charities, including Young Devon for West Devon and South Hams, has been successful in securing almost one million pounds from the Big Lottery Youth in Focus Fund.

This funding has made possible the 'Bright Futures' project — a free and confidential support service for young adult carers between the ages of 18 and 25, and young carers in periods of transition and change.

Bright Futures transition workers will provide direct one to one support to young adult carers. 

This could include help with college and job applications, housing and transport issues, accessing funding, grants and benefits and developing skills that they identify as being important to them.

Peer support groups will also be set up providing opportunities to socialise with other young adults in similar situations and take a break from their caring roles.

The project will also offer intensive support to young carers aged between 14 and 17 through a mentoring programme in which they can meet regularly with trained and vetted volunteers. 

Young carers will be able to talk to their mentor about things that are troubling them, take part in leisure activities that had not previously been open to them and also be supported to link to other services such as counselling or young people's mental health.

Young Devon, the local organisation providing this service in West Devon, is keen to hear from people interested in volunteering as mentors for Young Carers. 

Anyone who has at least two hours to spare each week, who could be good company, a trusted advisor and have the confidence and motivation to help young carers take steps to realise their aspirations, should contact the charity for more information.

If you are aged between 18 and 25, and provide regular care and practical or emotional support to a family member and want to find out what the Bright Futures service can offer you, then please contact Sarah Hames at [email protected]">[email protected], 01822 612555 or 07912 576450.