Young Carers Group
We are keen to support the Young Carers in our school community to ensure that they receive the care and support they are entitled to.
Are you a Young Carer?
What might a Young Carer do? You might do one or more of these tasks:
- Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
- Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
- Emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed.
- Personal care, such as helping someone dress.
- Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
- Helping to give medicine.
- Helping someone communicate.
- Looking after brothers and sisters.
Being a Young Carer can have a big impact on the things that are important to growing up:
- It can affect a young person’s health, social life and self-confidence.
- Many young carers struggle to juggle their education and caring which can cause pressure and stress.
- In a survey, 39% said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role.
- 26% have been bullied at school because of their caring role.
- 1 in 20 miss school because of their caring role.
But young people can learn lots of useful skills by being a Young Carer and do it out of LOVE. We understand this and provide understanding and practical support.
At Invicta, we offer a wide range of support to students who are Young Carers, as we know what an amazing job they do!
Young Carers’ club meets every week and participates in various activities: from board games, drawing, crafting, first aid and relaxation. We have regular celebrations; a picnic this summer and a Christmas party every year. The club is an opportunity to make friends from across the school community, who each understands the unique position Young Carers can find themselves in.
All Heads of Year have had training in recognising the specific concerns that Young Carers can have and are able to guide the family through the registration process with local services. We endeavour to support the student, and their family, to ensure that they can take full advantage of all the opportunities Invicta has to offer and can feel secure in the knowledge that their circumstances are understood and recognised.
If you think that your daughter/son is a Young Carer, please contact us. In the first instance, contact should be made with the Head of Year of your daughter/son.
Students ……
We have members of staff to turn to when you need support: your Form Tutor; your Head of Year or Miss Alteri.
There are also local services available to Young Carers:
0300 111 1110 – Kent Young Carers
03450 956 701 – Crossroads YC
From our group members...
"Coming to club on a Friday gives me a break from my worries."
"Being a young carer gives me responsibility in my family."
"I like being a young carer because it gives me a sense of responsibility. The club gives me a break from this. And biscuits."
"Being a young carer is normal everyday life. It doesn'™t make a difference. I don'™t think people understand; some days are easy and some days can be hard, every day is different. I have just grown up with it. That's life to me. And I love it."
"Being a young carer is rewarding because you get to see the person you care for from another perspective. I think I have connected with my mum in a really powerful way."
"Even though it might be tough at times, it prepares you for older life."
"Coming to club on a Friday has given me time on my own. You can be yourself."
