CALM (for young carers aged 8 to 14 yrs), COOL Club (5 to 11 yrs – end of school year 6) and CHIL (school year 7 to 18 yrs) are Southend’s young carers groups, which run at Shoebury Youth Centre, offering support, activities, trips and much more.

A fully trained team is on hand to speak to young carers about anything that may be concerning them, whilst also running activities which enable all to take a break from their caring role.

A young carer is under 18 years of age and helps to look after a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill or has a substance misuse problem. Caring can involve physical or emotional care, or taking responsibility for someone’s safety or wellbeing. The level of responsibility assumed by a young carer is often inappropriate to their age and at a level beyond simply helping out with jobs at home, which is a normal part of growing up.