Type of service: Respite and short breaks, Family support and information services, Social groups

Gloucestershire Young Carers (GYC) offer support to young carers aged 5-7 years in an advocacy role and a range of support including weekly groups and residential services to carers aged 8-25 years. Many of these young carers help look after a sibling with an autism spectrum disorder or Asperger syndrome and GYC recognise the emotional impact this can have on the family as a whole. At Gloucetershire Young Carers they have they chance to access activities that are just for them, to spend time with other young people who are in a similar situations and who understand that sometimes life can be difficult when your brother or sister is on the autism spectrum. They offer support throughout Gloucestershire and aim to visit a family within 3 weeks of receiving a referral. Self referrals are accepted but normal referral procedure is through Education, Social Services or Family Support Workers.

Aimed at: Adult sibling, Child/adolescent sibling

Specialisms: Generic