Young Carers

We are delighted to inform you that our school is currently working with Crossroads Together to raise awareness and support Young Carers within Cheshire West and Chester. Crossroads Together are the commissioned service in Cheshire West and Chester to support Young Carers.

Who are Young Carers?

A young carer is a young person who cares for a family member such as mum, dad, brother, sister or grandparents who suffer with a physical disability, poor ill health, learning disability, mental health, or substance and alcohol misuse.

What do Young Carers do?

Young Carers take on a number of tasks for the person they care for.

Practical tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, general upkeep of the housework.
Personal care, such as helping with toileting, washing, showering/bathing, and getting dressed.
Emotional support, such as listening and being someone to offload to.
Administering or helping someone to remember to take their medication.
Financial support, such as paying bills, helping manage money ect.
Sibling Care
Communication support such as sign language, interpreting letters.

Impacts of being young carer

Lower grades than their peers if young carers miss time in school
Poor confidence and self esteem
Emotional impacts, worry and stress
Stigma of being a young carer may result in bullying
Missed opportunities, not being able to do things other children are doing
Isolation

What we are doing to support young carers

We have had a special assembly to help identify any young carers and to reduce the stigma
Regular drop In sessions where young carers can come and chat about their caring role
We are currently working on gaining a Young Carers in School Award which pledges our support to young carers.

Who to talk to?