November 18, 2006
"text pal': New service gives vital support to children caregivers
Young caregivers - children who care for their siblings or parents - are being given the opportunity to make new friends via their mobile phones in a pilot scheme aimed at giving them vital extra support, reports the Norwich Evening News.
"Apparently, more than 2,000 youngsters, some as young as five, have to act as a carer for their parents or siblings.
"Norfolk County Council is launching a 'text pal' scheme and is looking for 14- to 18-year-old volunteers from Norfolk to take part.
Once trained, their profiles will go on the county council's website for young people, norfolkblurb.co.uk, and they can choose a pal on the website. The carers will be from the South Norfolk area.
Tom Gaskin, Norfolk Blurb project co-ordinator, said: “Some young carers find it hard to make or keep in contact with friends and, sometimes, when they need a friend to talk to, there may not be anyone there. “Text pal will support them to make new friends."
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