Signpost Stockport for Young Carers

Signpost Stockport for Carers is an independent charity, established in 1986, which provides free, confidential information to unpaid carers of all ages and ethnicity, and professionals who work with carers, in the Stockport area.  A carer is defined as somebody who looks after a relative, partner or friend who is ill, disabled or confused.

Signpost Stockport for Carers can direct carers to the appropriate sources of support available, and can offer information on services locally and nationally. All calls are treated with respect and complete confidentiality.

Signpost Stockport for Carers is part funded by Stockport Council and Stockport PCT, together with grants from the Big Lottery, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, BBC Children In Need and the Henry Smith Foundation. The charity is a Network Member of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers organisation.

Who do Signpost Stockport for Carers work with?  

Young Carers: 

'A Young Carer is a child or young adult who spends time looking after or helping a member of their family, or close friend, who, at present because of an illness or disability is unable to take care of everyday tasks themselves without help'.  The help you may give could be shopping, making meals, doing the laundry, or perhaps you help out with some nursing care, e.g. giving medication or lifting someone up and downstairs or in and out of bed etc.

Held on a monthly basis, Signpost run issue based groups for young carers: These groups have gone from strength to strength and give the Young Carers a chance to take part in a whole host of creative, constructive and rewarding activities. From craft based sessions to special visits from guest speakers to celebration parties and indoor sports evenings these groups remain relaxed, friendly and professionally organised.

Alongside this, the Thursday activity groups are for Young Carers with a substantial caring role and who are socially isolated. The groups give young carers a break from their caring responsibilities and a chance to take part in activities which they would normally find difficult to access. We provide a variety of activities which aim to build young carer’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills. The Young Carers enjoy the groups and are always more than happy to feedback:-

Parent group:

Parents Groups run every 6 – 8 weeks.  All parents that access our Young Carers service are welcome. We understand that some parents can often feel isolated due to their own illness or disability or caring for a disabled child. The sessions give parents the opportunity to socialise, relax, learn new skills and have fun!

Over the past 18 months we have run various workshops including Chocolate Creations, Relax and Meditate, Massage, Aromatherapy, Flower Arranging and Needlework.  All workshops are run by professional tutors in partnership with Stockport Continuing Education service.  The sessions are at different venues such as the Dialstone Centre, Offerton and the Lapwing Centre, Brinnington.  Our mini-bus is available to pickup and drop off from Grand Central, Stockport.

The group usually runs from 10am to 2pm, plenty of time to be back in time for the school run! The workshops are funded by ourselves and we also provide lunch and refreshments. During the Summer months we try to offer at least one trip out.  Last year we visited Tatton Park.  It was lovely relaxing day, after a cup a tea we had a stroll around the beautiful gardens, then after a picnic lunch we visited the Hall.Information about forthcoming Parents Groups are included in the regular Young Carers Newsletter.  For bookings or for more information please feel free to contact us.

Other Signpost support.

Signpost Stockport for carers also offer a range of other services such as 1:1 support, carer liaison, Carer breaks as well as help advice and a regular newsletter.  Click here for the full range of service they offer.