Who are young carers?
A young carer is a person under aged 25 and under who provides care for a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition, or addiction problem.
‘A young carer becomes vulnerable when their caring roles risks impacting upon their emotional or physical wellbeing and their prospects in education and life.’ (Department of Health, 2014).
Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. These can include:
- Practical tasks – cooking, housework and shopping.
- Physical care – lifting or helping someone use the stairs.
- Personal care – dressing, washing, helping with toileting needs.
- Emotional support – listening, calming, being present.
- Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions.
- Medication management.
- Looking after younger siblings.
- Helping someone communicate.
If you think your child is a young carer, please contact Mrs Devecioglu, School Young Carers Lead to discuss how we can support you and your child.
Mrs Devecioglu
020 8684 4007 (option 3)
safeguarding@elmwood-jun.croydon.sch.uk
You can also contact Croydon Young Carers (also known as ‘Off the Record’) who are a charity based in Central Croydon.
