The term Young Carer applies to anyone between eight and eighteen whose life is in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility for the care of a person on a regular basis.
Rotary Past President Geof Clark made Action for Young Carers his charity for his year and is pictured below Along with current President Terry Tillbrook presenting a cheque to the charity’s local representative James Clark who said that the cheque would go a long way to being able to give some support and respite to the young carers locally.There are approximately 700,000 Young Carers in the UK. They may be the main carer, or provide partial care for an adult or sibling.
The person being cared for may have a long-term illness, a physical or sensory impairment, learning difficulties, mental illness or be affected by alcohol/substance misuse.
Their School Service can provide;
- One-to-one support sessions in school giving Young Carers the opportunity to talk confidentially to somebody who understands.
- Practical support such as providing support in meetings with teachers to explain why, for example, they have fallen behind with their homework.
- Informal drop-in groups where Young Carers can meet others in the same situation and access information and advice.
- Information on how to access Respite Clubs in the local area where Young Carers can meet other young people in the same situation.
- Raising awareness of Young Carers to both staff and students through PSHE lessons, assemblies and Teacher Training.