Young Carers are young people, aged under 18, who have caring responsibilities. They are young people whose lives are in some way restricted because of the need to take on responsibilities for the care of a person who is ill, disabled, elderly or with drug/alcohol problems. Caring tasks can range from general household chores to full personal care.
Caring may affect young people, particularly at school, in some of the following ways:
- missing school or arriving late because of caring tasks, or having to take brothers and sisters to school first
- not completing schoolwork on time
- finding concentrations in class difficult
- not having enough time to study
- low self-esteem
- appearing tired or depressed
- ulcers, nervous tics, and other stress-related conditions
- not being able to join in after-school and weekend activities
- being bullied by other students because of their caring role
- no one being able to attend parents' evenings on their behalf
How can Teachers of Young Carers help?
- be flexible about homework deadlines
- offer to listen to the young person about their problems
- allow the Young Carer privacy to use a phone when necessary
- ask them what help they need
- share information about the local help which is available
- finding a way to meet parents if they are unable to come to parents evenings
- finding ways to help Young Carers enjoy their time at school, and helping them to take part in other activities out of school
- discussing caring and disability issues with the whole class
Eden Carers offer a number of services to Young Carers, with the provision of a designated Young Carers' Support Co-ordinator.
More information for Young Carers is available at www.youngcarers.net
Young Carers Newsletter - latest edition: to download pdf version click here (February 2012)
To subscribe to our Young Carers' Newsletter Contact Eden Carers today.
We also offer:
- Advice and Support for Young Carers
- Trips and Social Events aimed at under 18s
- Awareness raising workshops - e.g. Multiple Sclerosis/Mental Health
