Young Carers in Schools Covid19 staff briefing Carers

Young Carers in Schools Covid-19 staff briefing © Carers Trust carers. org youngcarersinschools. com carers. org

• Who are young carers? • What pressures are young carers currently facing? • How can you help? • What support is available? • Next steps © Carers Trustcarers. org © Carers Trust carers. org

• A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol. • It is highly likely that there were young carers in the school before Covid-19 and now even more may be taking on caring responsibilities. • Caring can have a dramatic detrimental effect on education and this crisis is exacerbating that. © Carers Trustcarers. org © Carers Trust “I“Iam looking forward to the amjust looking forward day thatday I canthat go out andgo see my to the I can out friends again, I’m getting bored and see my friends again, at home but I know that I just I’m getting boredtoatkeep home have to keep going but I know that I just have everyone safe” to keep going to keep –everyone young carer, Solihull safe” – young carer, Solihull carers. org

What additional pressures is Covid 19 putting on young carers? Increase in caring responsibilities Isolation from peers and coping mechanisms Little free time for schoolwork and respite Health challenges Difficulty accessing schoolwork Anxiety about the future © Carers Trust carers. org youngcarersinschools. com carers. org

How can you help? • Early identification • Ensuring access to technology • Awareness and flexibility • Planning and communication © Carers Trustcarers. org © Carers Trust carers. org

What support is available? • Local carers services • Information online • Young Carers in Schools • Get in touch! “We are dealing with some very complex and powerful emotional themes at the moment, so 1: 1 worker time is paramount. These young people need access to technology that allows them to interact with peers and their support worker on a level that might help to make up for the lack of physical proximity. ” – Support Worker, Scarborough & Ryedale © Carers Trust carers. org youngcarersinschools. com carers. org