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Young carers in the island are receiving first aid and mental health awareness training which is a new initiative as part of the Jersey Youth Service ‘My Time’ project, sponsored by LV Care Group through Jersey Support Youth Charitable Trust.
The ‘My Time’ project was introduced to provide extra support for local, young carers and to tackle some of the difficulties they experience. It enables young carers with a space to meet like-minded young Islanders, receive support and more importantly give them the opportunity to play, have fun and make new friends, which can be difficult to do in their unique situation.
During their first training session, young carers learned about first aid, focusing on the importance of looking after themselves in an emergency, how to approach a casualty and how to put someone into the recovery position, if required. A member of the team from LINC delivered the wellbeing session which looked at self care, and the importance of understanding and listening to their minds and bodies to ensure they are finding time for themselves and looking after their mental health.
The training is delivered by LV’s Care Academy, which provides training and education for all LV staff as well as the wider community. A range of training is provided primarily covering the mandatory training requirements set out by the Jersey Care Commission, which includes fire awareness, moving and handling, safeguarding, food safety, first aid, data protection, capacity and self-determination, awareness in learning disabilities, dementia and mental health.
This year, LV Care Group has donated more than £13,000 to support the ‘My Time’ project’s weekly activities, awareness sessions, residential trips and the summer programme. The funding provided by LV allows the Jersey Support Youth Charitable Trust to further support the Jersey Youth Service to expand its services and offer further support to young carers in the Island.
Ciaran Doherty, Youth Worker at Jersey Youth Service, said: “We want to provide young carers with skills that will help them to look after their loved ones and themselves in their caring role. Therefore, we decided that providing training in first aid, self care and mental health awareness would be a great starting point.
“First aid may be needed in case of any health incidents or accidents within the home, so it’s important young carers have the training to ensure they know what to do in that situation. The mental health and wellbeing of young carers is also hugely important while they’re caring for others. It’s essential they don’t forget to look after themselves so we are providing them with techniques to help look after their own wellbeing.”
LV Care Group’s Head of Training and Education, Verity Sangan, said: “After discussions with the Jersey Youth Service team, we recognised that we could provide a training opportunity for young carers. We chose to do sessions on first aid and mental health and wellbeing as we thought these would be the most useful to not only aid them in their caring role, but also personally to look after their own wellbeing.
“At LV, we understand the importance of having carers in the community which is a difficult yet vital and rewarding role. We also understand what a huge responsibility it is caring for someone, especially at such a young age. As a local community care group, we want to support the Jersey Support Youth Charitable Trust in providing young carers with more opportunities. We are continuing our conversations with the Jersey Youth Service for potential future collaborative working.”
