We recognise the vital role Young Carers provide within their family units and the additional responsibilities this entails for them. We have adopted a whole school approach to identifying and supporting young carers.
A Young Carer is a child under the age of 18 who regularly looks after someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled, or has a mental health problem or an addiction.
The tasks and level of caring undertaken by young carers can vary according to the nature of the illness or disability, the level and frequency of need for care, and the structure of the family as a whole.
Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
This may include some or all of the following:
- Shopping, cooking, cleaning.
- Managing medicines or money.
- Providing personal care.
- Helping get people out of the house.
- Keeping an eye on someone.
- Providing emotional support.
It is likely that there will be many young carers at every school. The total figure is not known as many young carers continue to remain hidden and unsupported.
A Young Carer may become vulnerable if their caring role risks impacting on their emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as their progress in education and future employment prospects.
Therefore, it is crucial that we identify young carers as early as possible in order to support their wellbeing and ensure they are able to fully participate in their education.
We work with Carers First, a Medway based organisation, who specialise in supporting Young Carers both in school and in the community. In addition, we provide 1:1 support in school with our Operational Lead.
If you, or a family member, needs support please contact:
Mr Morris – Young Carer SLT Lead – morrisc@sjwms.org.uk
Mrs Wheeler – Young Carer Operational Lead – jane.wheeler@sjwms.org.uk
Carers First – www.carersfirst.org.uk 0300 303 1555
Please also refer to our Young Carers Policy.