Young Carers
At Consett Academy, we have made a commitment to supporting Young Carers within our school community. We believe that Young Carers are young people first and carers second. They have the same rights as all other children and young people and should have access to the same facilities, services and support that is available to other young people across County Durham. We will support and work along with services within Durham to provide internal and external support when required.
Young carers may take on practical or emotional responsibilities at home because someone in their family has a physical or learning disability, a long term illness, experiences mental ill health or has a problem linked to alcohol or drugs.
Being a young carer can be hard and they may feel that they don't have enough time for themselves, friendships, homework or out of school activities.
- Young carers often take on responsibilities that go beyond what's typical for their age. This can include:
- helping with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing or shopping
- helping someone get dressed or move around
- managing medications or helping them collect prescriptions
- support with managing money or paying bills
- looking after siblings
- providing emotional support
- Young adult carer bespoke support
Without this help, loved ones may struggle to cope and children and young people may take on extra responsibilities to help.
These responsibilities might impact on a young carers education, wellbeing, and opportunities to enjoy childhood. (www.durham.gov.uk)
At Consett Academy
1. We have an identified member of staff to lead on support for young carers who will continue to work collaboratively with The Bridge Young Carers Service.
2. We ensure that everything young people tell us about their caring responsibilities stays private and confidential unless we have their permission to share, they are unsafe or at risk of harm.
3. We will commit to having young carers information readily available to our staff, young people and families who work with us.
4. We have a dedicated policy for young carers.
5. We will work with Young Carers and their families by sign posting support via The Bridge Young Carers Service.
Further information about Young Carers can be found at the following links:
The Bridge Young Carers & Young Adult Carers Service
The Bridge Young Carers Service - Family Action
Young Minds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/young-carers
Carers Trust UK
Young Carers - Help & Support | Carers Trust
NHS
Help for young carers - Social care and support guide - NHS
If you would like any more information about our commitment to supporting young carers or if there is someone in your family fulfilling a caring role, please ask to speak to Mr Stevenson (Head of Student Support) AStevenson@consettacademy.org.uk