Young Carers

A young carer is a young person aged 5 – 16 who looks after someone who couldn’t manage without their help. This could mean looking after a parent, brother or sister, grandparent or family friend who has a disability, long term illness, or drug and alcohol related issues.

As many as one in 12 pupils could be a young carer, and unless the school is advised about a pupil’s home circumstances, young carers risk first being identified by negative aspects of their behaviour or work. Some young carers find it difficult to concentrate and have limited time for friendships and activities after school. If this is the case, we can help.

Did you know Longleaze Primary School can provide extra help for young carers? We can offer ongoing emotional support, extra help with homework and a chance to have fun at events put on for young carers from our school and other schools within the local cluster.  We can also provide advice on other local support groups.

If you think you have a Young Carer in your household, the school can refer you to Wiltshire Council’s Safeguarding and Support Team who will carry out an assessment of your young person’s needs.  An assessment is when an adult who works for the council gets to know the young person and the things they are dealing with to see if they need some help.

Parents and carers can also make a direct referral for their young carer through Integrated Front Door (IFD)  by calling 0300 456 0108 or  email: integratedfrontdoor@wiltshire.gov.uk

For more information about support for Young Carers, you can take a look at the website: www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/young-carers

Carer Support Wiltshire also provide support for adult carers. More information can be found on their website: www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk  You can register with them via the website or contact on 0800 181 4118.