A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who helps to look after a parent or sibling who has a condition, such as a disability or an illness. It often involves doing jobs around the home like extra cooking or cleaning, however it also involves giving a lot of emotional support.

You can call the Carers Direct helpline 0300 123 1053 for more details.

If you or your child is a Young Carer, please speak to Miss Collins, Miss Wilson or Miss Rollason to find out how we can help you. We are here to provide you and your children with support and offer time in school for your child to receive some respite and a safe space to share lived experiences. At Moat House, we support our Young Carers by offering them a quiet space once a month outside of the classroom to discuss their shared experiences and the pressures of being a carer to a family member. Our learners enjoy extra curricular activities with one of our Learning Mentor’s to acknowledge the additional challenges they may be under and promote their self esteem and confidence. Children are encouraged to always speak to adults they trust if they ever feel overwhelmed. We believe that our young carers are the jewel in our Moat House crown and have traits which should be celebrated.

Useful websites:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/help-for-young-carers/

https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/children-young-people/supporting-young-carers/

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/young-carers/

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-children/young-carers

https://carers.org/about-caring/about-young-carers

https://carersinbeds.org.uk/young-carers/being-a-young-carer

https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/children-young-people/children-and-young-people/young-carers-the-facts/