At Archbishop Holgate’s School we recognise that some of our children are young carers. This involves helping to look after a loved one at home such as a brother, sister, parents, grandparents that have an illness, disability, mental health problem or a drug and alcohol misuse. The type of care that they give can be expected to be provided by an adult, therefore, can cause huge pressures on young people. Being a young carer can be extremely challenging emotionally and physically. Listed below are some examples of responsibilities that they carry out daily:
- Cooking and housework
- Providing emotional support
- Taking charge of medication
- Collecting prescriptions
- Making appointment
- Managing the family budget
- Helping someone get dressed
These responsibilities can be tough, challenging and can have an impact on young carers own independence and what they can do.
York Young Carers
Young carers is a service that helps to support young people that are aged between 5 and 18 who care for somebody with a disability, illness or mental health issue. They are an independent charity that give young carers a break from caring and a chance to meet and do something new by:
- running youth clubs
- trips out
- one to one support sessions
- have excellent links with schools.
To find out more please visit there website at: https://www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk/young-carers/ or
- Email: enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk
- Phone: 01904 715490
In school
The young carer service takes place within school every fortnight. The service holds group sessions such as fun activities, meeting other young carers or a chance for students to speak with a worker one to one for support. This is important to young carers as it gives them their own time to be themselves without responsibilities. With the service taking place in school it enables more young carers to be supported and feel involved as not all young carers are able to attend trips and youth clubs due to transport and care demands.
Below is a video that outlines the responsibilities that young carers face. If you are a young carer that sometimes feel overwhelmed, anxious or alone and want extra support then please watch this video below as it also highlights the positives of being a young carer and to not feel alone.
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If you are wanting to be part of the young carer service or if you are being cared for by a young carer then the details are below. Please speak to your Head of Year and/or Pastoral Support Worker for this to take place in school.
