Young Carers at Smithdon High School
We have a Young Carers group that meets every fortnight on a Thursday lunchtime (week 2) in the Nurture Room. Young Carers attending the group can get a queue jump pass from Mr Ward so that they can attend the meeting in its entirety. The meeting takes place in the Nurture Room and is an opportunity for our Young Carers to talk and support each other along with taking part in a range of enrichment activities and games.
Young Carers in Schools Award
This year, Smithdon has started to make progress on completing the Young Carers in School Award which will recognise the support available for our young carers in school. We are aiming for this to be completed and awarded this academic year. For more information on the award, please click the link: https://youngcarersinschools.com/what-is-the-award/
If you have any questions or queries regarding Young Carer’s please speak to Mr Ward.
If you feel that a member of your family is a Young Carer, please complete the Google Form below to inform Mr Ward:
What might a Young Carer do:
Practical tasks, like cooking, housework and shopping.
Physical care such as helping someone get out of bed.
Emotional support, including 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 with additional needs
Families affected by drug or alcohol misuse
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 national survey, 39% said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role.
- 1 in 20 miss school because of their caring role.
Young people can learn lots of useful skills by being a Young Carer.
How do we support young carers in school:
- Fortnightly meetings.
- End of Year Celebration.
- Support from Mr Ward as Young Carer Lead, supported by Mrs Wheeler and Ms Southerland.
- Staff training annually.
- Support in accessing activities outside of school.
- Emotional and mental health support.
- Information on the Young Carer’s display board in the school.
Leaflets and literature available
Register for Support:
Register to a support service:
Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney
Email: info@carersvoice.org
To receive the carer's identity passport click here
Contact Number: 07932095260
Young Carers Matter Norfolk
Email: info@youngcarersmatternorfolk.org
Contact number: 08000831148
We know that whilst it can be very rewarding, it can also be very difficult being a Young Carer.
If you think you are a Young Carer, or need help and advice, please see Mr Ward to find out more about what we can do to help you.
d.ward@smithdonhigh.org.uk