Young Carers Group
Our Young Carers group meets every Friday and offers a safe, supportive space for children who help care for a family member at home. Sessions focus on activities that promote mental health, wellbeing, and connection with others who share similar experiences.
If you feel your child may meet the Young Carer criteria, please contact the school. We will arrange a meeting with you and complete a referral form for your local authority’s Young Carers provision.
What are Young Carers?
“Young carers are children under 18 who look after a family member or a friend. There are many reasons why they may take on this role. Their extra responsibilities often mean they miss out on school and hanging out with friends. It can change and affect their whole childhood.”
Who are Young Carers?
Some young people, often from an early age, take on regular or ongoing care and support for another family member (usually a parent or sibling) who may have:
- a physical illness or long-term health condition
- a mental health difficulty
- a disability
- challenges linked to substance misuse
Why do Young Carers need support?
Young carers often have to assume a level of responsibility that would normally only be asked of an adult. The stress and anxiety this can cause can leave them feeling isolated and unsupported.
Many young carers miss out on their childhood and youth because time constraints can make it difficult for them to:
- attend school regularly or on time
- complete homework or meet deadlines
- join clubs, trips or after-school activities
- spend time with friends and peers
How do we want to support Young Carers?
We want to make sure every young carer gets the same opportunities in education, as well as in life, as those who don’t have to care for someone. It shouldn’t have to hold them back.
In school, we aim to:
- create a safe, understanding environment where young carers feel supported
- listen to young carers and take their views seriously (Article 12)
- reduce barriers to learning and attendance (Article 28)
- help young carers access time to rest, play and be involved in school life (Article 31)
Where to get further information and support
Carers' Centre
Young Carers Service provides help and support to children aged 8–18, their families and professionals working with young carers in B&NES.
https://banescarerscentre.org.uk/
Carers Support Centre – Bristol and South Glos
Our Young Carers Service provides help and support to children aged 8–18, their families and professionals working with young carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
https://www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk/
The Children’s Society
They provide specialist support that empowers young people to make positive changes and rediscover their hope, working alongside young people, families and communities.
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/
Carers Trust
Being a young carer is a risk factor for the mental health of children and young people. #CareForMeToo is a Carers Trust campaign that aims to raise awareness about mental health and improve support for young carers.
Spurgeons
Spurgeons offers a wide range of services to support young carers, from mentoring and educational support to activities and trips away to give them much needed time out from their caring duties.
https://spurgeons.org/our-services/young-carers
Carers UK
Carers UK offers advice and support, including an expert telephone advice service and online information to help carers feel less alone and find answers.
Barnardo's
Support and guidance for Young Carers
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/young-carers
