Meet Seb, 18. When we met Seb, he was 15 and was the main carer for his father who has bipolar disorder, also a double amputee following an attempt on his own life. Seb’s caring role included providing emotional support and checking that his dad was taking his medications.
Seb had been in trouble with the police and was referred by the Youth Offending team. He was guarded and distrustful of professionals. He had a limited support network. It was clear Seb had low aspirations, believing his own and his family’s history would prevent him from achieving anything.
We were able to engage Seb through one of our team’s own experiences as someone living with bipolar. Seb confessed he found it hard to manage his emotions and was terrified of getting bipolar. Seb was offered one to one support to help him manage his emotions and learn more about bipolar.
Seb was encouraged to get involved in peer support activities and emerged as a leader in the young carers group. He proposed running a graffiti workshop, which is a passion of his, as an activity. He helped support the Graffiti Jam event in August 2022 where young carers helped revamp a Youth Shelter at Hillyfields Community Park in Gillingham.
Seb was encouraged to join the Medway Together project training young carers as a Carers First Digital Champion to help older adults get online. Seb flourished through this project, completing the training, and successfully delivering group training with another young carer to six older adults. Seb has recently moved in with his mum and secured his first job, and says:
“Carers First has changed my life for the better, you have enabled me to access so much and been hugely beneficial shaping my life going forward. The support has helped my wellbeing and living situation.”
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.