School support for young carers

Young Carers Awareness Day (Thursday 30 January) is highlighting that as many as one in five secondary school children may be a young carer.

The average number of school days missed or cut short as a result of a young carer’s role is 48, but schools are responding with effective support.

Janice Spencer, interim director for children’s services, said: “We are proud of the work of our schools in identifying and supporting young carers who would otherwise struggle to cope with the workload in the classroom. Understanding that these children might need further time to catch up on their studies or coursework can make all the difference. These children need to know they are not alone and can have the same opportunities as others to learn and achieve their potential.

“We want to hear from young people about the support they are given in schools and if it could work even better. Similarly, we’d also like to hear from schools about improved support which would make a difference in work with young carers and their families.”

If you think you may be a young carer, support is available: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers/young-carer-support  #YoungCarersAwarenessDay #CountMeIn

There are 1852 young carers in Lincolnshire, but estimates suggest many more young people have a caring role which are not know about.

“If you are a young carer or know of someone who is a young carer, please speak up” added Janice Spencer. “Carers have the right to an assessment – which is a way to get their voice heard and maybe get extra support to make their life and caring role much easier.”

The Lincolnshire Young Carers Service helps and supports children and young people up to the age of 19 who are helping to care for someone at home. Please contact youngcarers@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 01522 553275 for information or if you have any queries