A NEW five-year contract has been awarded to Gloucestershire Young Carers, ensuring specialist services will remain in place.

The council said there are 1,450 young carers identified in the county, who provide regular care and support to a family member living with disability, long-term illness, a mental health condition or addiction.

Following the procurement process, Gloucestershire Young Carers was selected to continue delivering the service, building on years of experience supporting young carers and young adult carers across the county.

Councillor Ben Evans, Gloucestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, said: "Young carers make an incredible contribution to their families, often taking on responsibilities that many people their age never experience. While they are providing invaluable support to loved ones, it is important that they are also able to enjoy their childhood, achieve their ambitions and make the most of every opportunity available to them.

"This continued investment will help ensure young carers across Gloucestershire receive the practical and emotional support they need. By supporting young carers, we are helping to improve their wellbeing, build their confidence and give them the best possible chance to thrive."

The service provides support designed to help young carers balance their caring responsibilities with the opportunities every child and young person deserves.

It supports young carers build resilience, improve emotional wellbeing, develop confidence and life skills, and access support through schools, communities and local services.

Alongside support for young carers and young adult carers, the service will continue to work closely with schools, health partners, social care services, adult services, voluntary organisations and community groups to improve the identification of young carers and ensure they can access the right support at the right time.

For more information about support available for young carers, you can visit the Gloucestershire Young Carers website.