The Youth Information Point opens its doors to (overburdened) young people
with care responsibilities
On the 1st of June, councillor Kavita Parbhudayal opened the Jongeren Informatie Punt (JIP) (Youth Information Point) to
young carers. As of that moment, young people up to 25 years of age who care for
a mother, grandfather, brother or someone else, can visit a youth advisor
who knows everything there is to know about informal care at a young age. And that is desperately needed!
1 in 5
The Hague is home to many young carers. In fact, 1 in 5 children grows up here
a sick family member. They often have to take care of
their loved one and cater to their needs. But for some, caring for their loved one is so exhausting that they end up overburdened.
What do you want?
They may have to drop out of school or perhaps quit their part-time job
if the burden of care becomes too much. Or they no longer meet up with their friends. As
they take care of someone else, they often take less care of themselves. And that has major
consequences for their long-term development. Yet it is very
difficult for these young people to consider their own needs and work out what they want. As this
rarely comes up in their home situation. These overburdened young carers
benefit considerably when an outsider helps to initiate a conversation about ‘what they actually want’
.
Come inside!
JIP has been actively supporting all young people in The Hague for the past 15 years. You can turn to them for questions
about debt, income, sex, school and housing. From the 1st of June onwards, JIP will also open
its doors to young carers. Youth advisors who focus on the problems faced
by young carers will be on hand especially for them. They can help these young people and
refer them to specialised support. In doing so, JIP unlocks an entire chain of
professionals who are focused on helping young carers.
Help just one step away
Youth advisor Simone van de Pol is one of the people who will soon be on standby to help the
young carers: ‘They often care for their parent, sister or grandfather out of love. After all,
if it was nothing but misery, no one would last for long. But at JIP, we are happy to help
with the tasks that are difficult. Does a young carer have to repeat a year at school? Or
have they been fired? These are signs that a young person with care responsibilities
is struggling. Then we look for the appropriate help. Sometimes we refer them
to the Jongeren Interventie Team (JIT) (Youth Intervention Team). Or to informal care agents. They assess
what kind of practical support a young person may need when providing care. They can
take over administration and care applications, for example. But it starts with the first step:
come and see us!’
Councillor Kavita Parbhudayal for Care, Youth and Public Health: ‘Carers are
extremely important to The Hague. Informal care is a wonderful thing and comes
naturally to the carer. Even though it often has a significant and long-lasting impact on the
life of the carer and their social circle. This is especially true for young carers. That is
why, as councillor, I am committed to strengthening their position. I am therefore
delighted with this drop-in centre for young carers and hope that they will use it whenever
they have questions or problems. As we think it’s perfectly normal for carers to
ask for help.’
Youth Information Point: Amsterdamse Veerkade 17-A The Hague
For questions: Charlotte Bos, Xtra press spokesperson, 06-39812015
https://jiphaaglanden.nl
JIP is part of the JESS foundation.