Professional Resources
Understanding Young Carers
Young Carers lives can be complex, in order for you to best support them in your professional capacity, it is good for you to understand the challenges they may face.
Definition & Challenges
Young Carers are individuals under 18 who provide care for a family member with an illness, disability or other support needs. They may face unique challenges, including stress, fatigue, and difficulties in balancing schoolwork with caregiving duties.
Raise Awareness in Your School
Identifying and supporting Young Carers in school can help to support them with their caring role, so that they are able to thrive. This page offers advice and resources for professionals.
Display our poster at your school. Click the button below to download a copy.
Download our Wellbeing Toolkit to support the Young Carers in your school.
Use this Young Carer Identification Guide to help you identify the Young Carers in your school.
Ways To Support Young Carers In Your School
Create A Supportive Environment
Awareness and training: Educate staff about the needs and challenges faced by Young Carers. Training sessions can help teachers identify these students and understand how to provide appropriate support.
Safe spaces: Establish safe and welcoming spaces within the school where Young Carers can seek help, express their feelings or simply take a break.
Create a Young Carers Policy: Develop a clear policy outlining the school’s commitment to supporting Young Carers, which can be shared with students, parents and staff.
Designating a Young Carer Lead
Young Carer Lead: Designating a specific staff member as the Young Carer Lead can provide students with a reliable person to turn to for support. This individual can liaise with family members, social services, and other staff to ensure Young Carers’ needs are understood and met.
Regular Check-Ins: Establish regular check-ins with Young Carers to discuss academic, social and emotional needs, providing a safe space for students to share any challenges they may be facing.
Conduct Staff Training: Educate all school staff on how to identify and support Young Carers.
Offering Flexible Academic Support
Homework and Exam Support: Providing extra time or flexibility with deadlines for homework and exams can help Young Carers balance their responsibilities.
Tutoring and Academic Assistance: Offering tutoring or extra support, especially for students who may have missed classes due to their responsibilities at home.
Need To Talk To Someone?
Sometimes it’s easier just to talk to someone. If you would like to speak to someone just click the button below and book a time that suits you.
