Suffolk Young Carers Award
We were delighted to be awarded the Bronze Suffolk Young Carers School's Award in October 2017 for promoting the early identification and support of young carers in our school.
A young carer is a child from the age of 5 who is caring or supporting a member of their family who has a physical disability, long term illness, mental ill health or problematic use of drugs and alcohol.
A young carer may:
- Feel confused or worried about the family member
- Help with household cleaning and cooking
- Look after younger brothers and sisters
- Struggle to understand the behaviour of the family member
- Provide a level of care that would usually be undertaken by an adult
As a result of this they take on a level of responsibility that is inappropriate to their age and development. This is likely to have a significant impact on their childhood experiences. Young people with caring responsibilities often go unnoticed in their communities, yet the effects of caring can be staggering on their lives. Taking on the physical and emotional demands of supporting a family member as they battle with long term sickness, disability, mental ill health or addiction is a lot for young minds to deal with.
Young Carer's Award - October 2017
