Better services promised for Wiltshire's young carers from April
A consultation's been carried out by Carer Support Wiltshire
Young carers in Wiltshire will be able to access improved services from April, with the help of a local charity.
Carer Support Wiltshire can provide schools across the county with an award which provides them advice on how to identify young carers within their school communities and best support them.
The charity's been working with Wiltshire Council on its development of this award, with all schools and colleges now able to access it.
Leanne Hubbard is Interim CEO of Carer Support Wiltshire. She said:
“We’re delighted to have this opportunity to reshape services for young carers in the county. We’re keen to speak to young people and find out what would help them most.
“Through our young carer friendly award work, we know that schools are best placed to identify young carers and offer someone for them to speak to, outside of the family. It’s important that someone is aware of their situation and is there for them, including to assist with many of the issues that can come up for young carers.
“We’ll also be looking at setting up additional services that might be needed, that give young carers opportunities for peer support, mentoring and social opportunities, for example.”
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“Young carers often have a huge amount of responsibility on their shoulders, going to school alongside providing support to their parents, carers or siblings at home. We want them to know there is support available for them including someone to talk to. Schools signing up to the Young Carer Friendly Award sends a clear message to young people and I look forward to seeing lots of schools join this new scheme.”
Carer Support Wiltshire staff have been consulting with young carers about their experiences, to help put the award scheme together.
They expressed the highs and lows of having a caring role, with positives including enjoying helping with chores, especially when 'helping mum out', and being part of close and loving families.
Among the negatives expressed were a lack of money to afford a car, or go out as a family, and feeling anxious at school when a parent is poorly, and they don’t want to leave them.
A young carer may be caring for, or helping to care for, a parent, sibling or other family member.
They are often providing emotional support, physical support and doing more around the house than others of their own age, as well as potentially missing out on the ‘normal’ activities their peers may take for granted.
A study carried out by national charity Carers Trust showed that young carers are twice as likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET) between 16 and 18 years of age.