
Suffolk Young Carers
School communities reflect society and so here at Kesgrave High School our community includes people from a range of backgrounds, with varied experiences and a huge variety of responsibilities. One group of students for whom their home situation may influence their experience within the school and all it has to offer, are young carers.
A young carer is someone 18 years old or under who helps look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. This could be a parent or a sibling. This may involve physical or emotional care or taking responsibility for someone’s safety or well-being, cleaning, cooking, paying bills, giving medication, booking appointments and so much more. Being a young carer will vary depending on the situation, but all young carers deserve understanding and support.
In September 2015 KHS signed up to the Suffolk Young Carers Schools Award and we have been working very closely with the service to help identify Young Carers in our school and raise awareness of the great work all Young Carers do for their families. We’ve been raising awareness of Young Carers in assemblies, staff training and larger National events such as National Young Carers Day. We were awarded our bronze award on National Young Carers Day in January 2016, we then achieved the silver award and currently we now hold our gold award.
Suffolk Young Carers staff have a close working relationship with schools across Suffolk. The Support Worker linked to KHS is Kieron Whall who can come into the school to support Suffolk Young Carers, alternatively students can contact Mrs Newman who is the Young Carer Lead in school.
Please email Mrs Newman if you would like more information or think a young person may be a Young Carer: enewman@kesgrave.suffolk.sch.uk
Click here for YOUNG CARERS WEBSITE
Is your caring role affecting your health, education, employment, friendships or social life?
It does not matter who you care for, how much care you provide or what kind of care you provide help is available.
Did you know that a Young Carer or Young Adult Carer has a legal right to a Young Carers Assessment?
Suffolk Family Carers Young People’s service complete Young Carer Assessment’s on behalf of Suffolk County Council. Together with an Advisor, you will be helped to identify your needs, wishes and aspirations and develop a plan of support that puts you at the centre. The plan may include wellbeing guidance and support, face to face or online peer groups or condition specific information. The plan may also include help from other organisations.
Speak to Mrs Newman in school or contact her via email to discuss this further.
Accreditations & Memberships