Siblings and young carers in Cambs

Having a child with an additional need and disability affects the whole family – including brothers and sisters. And they also need support to manage their feelings, information and “me” time.

For brothers and sisters

“Big Sibs” at SCA

Cambridge Student Community Action This provides a volunteer befriender for children from one‐parent or carer families, children that have suffered a bereavement, for children with disabilities, learning difficulties or behavioural problems, or children with family members who have disabilities, learning difficulties or behavioural problems. The Big Siblings are student volunteers from Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University aged 18 years upwards. For this reason, Little Siblings must be between 5 and 11 years of age.

The student acts as an ‘adopted’ older brother/sister to the child, taking them out (usually once a week). Families must live within walking/cycling distance of Cambridge City Centre.

This project is for children aged between five and 11 years. Visits are usually about one to two hours, once a week.

Student Community Action: 01223 350 365 or email mail@cambridgesca.org.uk

YoungSibs website

YoungSibs, is a UK-wide website for children and young people (aged 6-17) who have a brother or sister who is disabled, has special educational needs or a serious long-term condition. The site includes information and help pages as well as a forum to chat to other siblings dealing with similar issues. Visit the YoungSibs website.

For young carers

Young Carers Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Carers Trust Cambridgeshire supports Cambridgeshire young carers. Visit its YC webpage

STEP Young Carers supports young people aged 5-18 across Huntingdonshire and Peterborough
STRIVE Young Adult Carers supports young people aged 16-25 across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.

Centre 33 – support across Cambridgeshire

Charity Centre 33 provides a range of services across the county for 8-18 year old Young Carers, including regular groups, a newsletter, and one-to-one support. For more information, contact Centre 33 on 0333 4141809 or email help@centre33.org.uk

Young Carers Assessment Team

The county council’s Young Carers Needs Assessment Team assesses the needs of young carers – a young person aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.