Definition

A Young Carer can be as young as 5 and may support with a range of roles within the home where either a parent, sibling or other family member living in the family home has an illness, disability or other specific medical or mental health need.

How they support at home

They may support with cooking and cleaning, giving medication or accompanying the person they care for to their medical appointments. They may also help look after siblings or provide emotional support and worry about the person they care for when they are away from them. 

The potential effects of being a Young Carer

The effects of being a Young Carer can vary, many children feel sad, angry, guilty or embarrassed about the help they provide at home. They may feel upset that friends don’t have the same responsibilities or feel that no one understands their role and feelings. Avoiding telling anyone about their feelings can have a huge impact on their own well-being and therefore their learning in school.

How we can support Young Carers in school

Every Tuesday a volunteer from Action for Family Carers comes into school to run a lunchtime club. Once identified and referred to Action for Family Carers, children can attend the club with our other Young Carers where they chat and take part in a range of fun activities.

We can also support children through our pastoral team in school. Children can find either Mrs White, Mrs Lavender or Mrs Hammond whenever they need support and we will regularly talk to them to make sure they are OK.

We can help you to get in touch with either Essex Young Carers or Action for Family Carers. Both organisations can offer further help and guidance to you and your Young Carer through a range of personalised support. This may include help at home if needed or Young Carer clubs and events where your child can spend valuable time with others in a similar role while enjoying some time just for them.