Young Carers

Eaton Primary School is committed to enabling young carers to access education and support.

Here at Eaton, we have a designated lead for our Young Carers, Mrs Gemma Leggett.  She is part of the Safeguarding Team and she identifies children and offers appropriate support to access the education and other services to which they are entitled.  Gemma Leggett is also able to offer support and advice to parents and can make a referral on your behalf.

If you think that your child could be a young carer, please contact Mrs Leggett through the school office. There are also some links below for more information about Young Carers.

What is a young carer?

• A young carer is a person under 18 who provides practical and/or emotional support for another person, usually a family member because of a health condition. They may be providing care for a parent, grandparent or guardian, or helping their parents care for another child in the family.
• The person they care for may have a disability, a long-term or temporary physical or mental illness, or have issues with substance misuse.
• There are over 5000 Young Carers in Norfolk but many are ‘hidden’ because they do not realise they are a young carer. This may be because they consider it simply is ‘how life is’, or because of fears of stigma/other people becoming involved in their situation.
• Being a young carer can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health, educational attainment and their transition into adulthood.

What support is available for young carers?

Norfolk County Council have commissioned a specialist support service for young carers and their families across Norfolk, looking after the needs of the young carer themselves, as well as the whole family. The Young Carers & Family Service (link below) is a partnership of voluntary sector organisations, young carer groups and youth work providers.

Young carers or any member of their family can ask for support directly, or a professional such as a teacher, youth worker or GP, can make a referral on their behalf.

Call the Carers Matter Norfolk Advice Line if you are seeking or would like to discuss support for yourself or for someone else. It is FREE to call and advisors are available 7 days a week. 0800 083 1148 

You can also make an online referral by using the link below for the Young Carers & Family Service

LINKS:

Young Carers & Family Service: Advice for Young Carers and Parents of Young Carers