Young Carers

A young carer is someone who provides help and support to a relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness, or disability. Very often students do not recognise themselves as ‘young carers’; they are just family members, who find themselves in a caring situation, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually, and simply get on with what needs to be done. 

A young carer may not always live with the person they care for, but their help may be essential in enabling that person to go on living independently. 

It can help to know that you are a young carer; it is a way of recognising that what you are doing is a very important job. Caring can sometimes be demanding, both physically and emotionally. It may help to know that your work is recognised by others, and that there are services available to help support you in your role.  

What might a young carer do? 

• Practical tasks, like cooking, housework, and shopping. 
• Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.  
• Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed. 
• Personal care, such as helping someone dress. 
• Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions. 
• Helping to give medicine.  
• Helping someone communicate. 
• Looking after brothers and sisters. 

Letting us know that you are a Young Carer 

If you think that you may be a Young Carer, we want to support you.  Young Carers have lots of responsibility which can sometimes be overwhelming.  You are not alone, there are many children like you.   

It is important for school to understand the responsibilities you might have outside of school. If you think you are a Young Carer, or you are a parent/family member of a child that is a Young Carer, please speak to your Head of Year of member of the Safeguarding Team.  

It is important that you alert us, even if you do not want any support from school at this time. However, there is a variety of support available to Young Carers and their families. This may be in the form of one-to-one support, group support or support for the whole family via Family Help Practitioners. Heads of Year or the Safeguarding Team will be able to explore the options with you and may refer to in-school support or external agency support such as Gaddum. 

Want to know more? 

Contact your Head of Year or member of the Safeguarding Team in the first instance. Alternatively, visit the following websites: 

www.gaddumcentre.co.uk/ - this charity provides health and wellbeing services to young people in Greater Manchester. 

https://carers.org/about-caring/about-young-carers - The Carers Trust support for young carers.