How Danni grew in confidence with help from Imago
11-year-old Danni is the main carer for her Dad and was feeling lonely and anxious as a result of her caring role. She was referred to Imago's Young Carers service by her school nurse.
Dad told us he has a major health condition and that Danni was his main carer, taking on domestic tasks and some personal care. We connected Danni with Jenny, a Support Coordinator in the young carer team, who carried out an assessment so that support could be put in place, with additional support also being offered to Dad via Adult Social Care.
Imago worked closely with Danni, Dad and school to offer a range of support:
- Peer support from other young carers who attended the group Imago had already established in Danni’s school
- Individual support sessions arranged with the school nurse
- One-to -one support provided by Imago staff. Danni began to attend our young carer workshops, providing her with opportunities to meet other young carers and try new things
- Respite activities such as trips to the pantomime, outdoor activity centres and summer outings
- First Aid and Fire Safety training, leading to a visit from Fire and Rescue Services to advise on home safety, and develop a personal evacuation plan for Danni and her Dad.
I knew I could call on Jenny, my Support Coordinator at any time, whether I was having good times or bad times, their door was always open.
Danni
As Danni was also approaching transition to secondary school, Danni's support coordinator and school nurse worked closely with her new school to ensure a smooth transition and continuing support.
Danni received the Try Angle award in recognition of her dedication to her caring role, and her bravery and resilience in what had been a difficult period of change. She grew in confidence, felt safer, made new friends and better understood how to cope with Dad’s condition.
Imago’s Young Carers Service has changed both our lives. Finally, we had someone we could turn to, someone we could talk to, someone who could help us. Imago’s service has allowed Danni to be herself, to be a child with other children, without having to worry about me for a few hours each month.
Danni's Dad
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