Parent carers in Norfolk receiving enhanced support from new partnership

Parents in Norfolk who are looking after a child with disabilities or additional needs are benefitting from a new service provider. Norfolk County Council has partnered with the charity Kids as part of its ongoing commitment to support parent carers across the county. 

Kids is offering a range of support for these parents, including: 

• Workshops with information and strategies for specific needs 
• The 'Healthy Parent Carer' programme to support parent carers' resilience 
• Coffee mornings and drop-in sessions 
• One-to-one support 

This enhanced support offer is linked to the Council's re-launch of its parent carer needs assessments. These are a chance for parent carers to talk to someone about how caring for their child affects them. They cover things like the parent's health and wellbeing, work, free time and relationships with family and friends, so that parents can be offered the relevant information, guidance and support for their needs - including support from Kids. 

Councillor Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, stated: "We know that caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also make it hard to do other things or to look after yourself. This service is a vital resource aimed at supporting parent carers, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and guidance. 

"I encourage all parent carers who feel they could benefit from this service to reach out and take advantage of the resources available. Together, we can ensure that every family in our community has the support they need to thrive." 

Mellissa Mackell, Service Manager at Kids, said: "Kids is delighted to be delivering this support for parent carers in Norfolk, having worked supporting families of disabled children for over 50 years. 

"Kids will be offering a wide offer of support including one-to-one support, bespoke workshops and coffee mornings and drop ins." 

To find out more about this service, including how to request it, visit the parent carer needs assessment page.