Calderdale young carers have been told council transport to get them to and from activity sessions is being scrapped.

A message from Calderdale Young Carers, seen by the Courier, says increasing demand and staffing pressures mean changes need to be made to transport arrangements.

The Calderdale Council service supports children and young people aged between eight and 18 who live with and help to care for someone who has physical or mental health problems, learning difficulties, or drug or alcohol problems.

The message says: “Due to increasing demand for our service, particularly for statutory young carers assessments, and ongoing staffing pressures we need to make some changes to how young carers travel to and from our activity sessions.

"From October 1, parents/carers will be responsible for transporting their child to and from Young Carers sessions.”

The move has sparked concerns that young carers whose parents do not have access to a vehicle or are unable to drive or accompany them on public transport could miss out.

The sessions involve the chance to meet other young carers and help shape service changes or improvements and future planning.

The message does also add: “We recognise that these changes may present challenges for some families.

"If you feel that these arrangements will negatively impact your child’s ability to access respite from their caring role, and you are unable to transport them to sessions, please let us know when booking a place.

"We will consider individual circumstances and endeavour to make alternative arrangements where possible.”

Councillor Tim Holden, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, said transport to and from activity sessions has never been a “formal part” of the support offered to young carers.

“Transport has only ever been provided on an informal basis by staff when there has been capacity to do so, and where it has supported a young carer to access activities,” he said.

“Our young carers team is very small, demand for the service has nearly doubled over recent years and many families have access to their own transport.

"For these reasons, we need to reduce the significant amount of time spent transporting children to and from activities, to ensure support is focused where it’s needed most – direct work with young carers, outreach, assessments and family support.

“However, if lack of transport is stopping young carers attending activities, we will continue to consider individual circumstances and provide transport support where families genuinely need help.

"We will do all we can to ensure that no child will be excluded from activities because they can’t get there.”