Young Carers
Young Carers are children and young people who often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities for a family member due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction. The tasks undertaken can vary according to the nature of the illness or disability, the level and frequency of need for care and the structure of the family as a whole.
A Young Carer may do some or all of the following:
- Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
- Physical care, such as lifting, helping a parent on stairs or with physiotherapy.
- Personal care, such as dressing, washing, helping with toileting needs.
- Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions.
- Administering medication.
- Looking after younger siblings.
- Emotional support.
- Interpreting, due to a hearing or speech impairment or because English is not the family’s first language.
Some Young Carers may undertake high levels of care, whereas for others it may be frequent low levels of care. Either can impact heavily on a child or young person.
At Poltair School we support Young Carers in a variety of ways.
Designated Contact for Young Carers
Mrs C Harvey is the designated contact for Young Carers, and she liaises with relevant staff, family and other outside agencies to provide help and support where required. Where appropriate, Poltair Young Carers are referred to Kernow Young Carers, through Barnardo’s, to enable additional support for the student outside of school.