Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has launched a new pack to support young carers and their families in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).

After working with staff and carers in September 2023, LPT proudly signed up to the national Carers Trust Triangle of Care (TOC) programme, strengthening the partnership between service users, their carers and health professionals.

Following this commitment, LPT’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), the Youth Advisory Board, and young carers from Leicestershire Young Carers worked together to create the all new Young Carers Pack which is designed by young carers, for young carers.

The Pack brings together practical guidance, local support information and real insights from people who understand all about the range and challenges of caring responsibilities for young people. It will help young carers – and family members and professionals – feel more informed, supported and connected.

The pack includes:

  • A clear explanation of what a young carer is and the roles they may take on
  • Key facts about young carers
  • Tips and advice directly from young carers
  • Information about local services and support across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
  • An animated video featuring a local young carer sharing her experiences
  • A poem written by a young carer

One of the young carers involved in developing the pack, Anna, said:

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to share my experience; especially with really supportive staff members. This pack has so much supportive information I wish that I had access to many years ago. It will benefit anyone who reads it, not just young carers but those who also want to learn and discover more to help support them. I hope that it encourages more people to speak out about their experiences and to feel comfortable to ask for help, no matter how big or small it is.”

Emily Robertshaw, deputy head of patient experience and involvement at LPT, said:

“We are proud to launch the Young Carers Pack which was co-produced with young carers to ensure their opinions and experiences shaped its content and design. It provides practical guidance to identify and support young carers within our services, helping to meet their needs and ensure they are recognised, valued and supported. By working together, we aim to make a real difference in improving experiences for young carers across all our communities.”

Leighan Warren, digital content creator for CAMHS, shared:

“The Young Carers Pack has been developed by local young carers themselves, ensuring their voices, experiences and insights shaped every stage of its creation. Co-designing and co-producing our resources with young people who have lived experience remains a core commitment, not only within CAMHS, but across our entire Trust. We are grateful to every young carer who has supported the CAMHS Digital Team in developing this vital resource.”

Find out more about our commitment to carers and download the Young Carers Pack on LPT’s website: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/about/our-commitment-to-carers