What Is a Young Carer?

Some of our children provide help and support to a family member who has any type of physical or mental illness, disability or is in need of other kinds of social and emotional support.  A Young Carer is someone who is under the age of 18 who is regularly providing this support as part of their every day lives. Very often, children undertake these roles within the home or with extended family without actually realsing that this makes them a Young Carer. At St Bernard's, we are embarking on a new initiative over the next two years to celebrate the amazing contribution that these children make to their families with a number of different ideas that will launch in September 2025.

If you would like to come and talk to us about the role that you feel your own child has as a Young Carer, please contact the office and ask to see Ms Breeze, our Young Carers Champion.

What Kinds of Things do Young Carers Do?

• Young Carers help to look after all kinds of age ranges with all kinds of additonal needs.

• Young Carers cook, shop, clean and support with other tasks around the house.

• Young Carers listen, show empathy and help to provide calm to people who need emotional support.

• Young Carers often help with medical appointment and collecting medicines.

• Youngs Carers sometimes provide physical support to the people who need assistance with their mobility.

• Young Carers sometimes provide personal care, such as helping with washing, teeth brushing, styling hair or dressing for people who would struggle to do these things independently.

What is coming up for Young Carers in our 'Supporting Young Carers Programme' (September 25)?

Consultation with our parents and children is due to take place in Summer 2.

Following this, we will be creating a plan of measures that will both celebrate and support the work of our Young Carers.

Please look out for your consultation, on email, in early June.

Meanwhile, please have a look at the attached links below:

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/young-carers

https://secure.manchester.gov.uk

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

https://carers.org/getting-support-if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer/getting-support-if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer

https://carers.org/help-for-carers/carer-services-near-you?location=manchester