What we've achieved
“This provides VITAL support for our children who would struggle without The Carers’ Centre. They find their role extremely tiring and find it hard to make friends at school because of this. The young carers activities and wellbeing sessions provide support that the children cannot access anywhere else. It is a lifeline for them. Without it, they would be severely isolated and could develop significant mental health problems themselves.”
Young carers often go unnoticed until their caring role starts to significantly affect their education. Spring 2023 was the first time the school census required schools to report the number of young carers among their students. Bath and North East Somerset schools identified 1361 young carers, compared to 859 known to The Carers' Centre.
This year we focussed on giving young carers a voice and raising awareness in schools, in addition to providing three family events, 51 activities and 80 wellbeing support groups
Young carers co-produced and delivered our annual school’s workshop for teaching and support staff. Our Young Carers Council met with local and national decision makers including Wera Hobhouse MP and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party Ed Davies to talk about their caring role - identifying carer recognition and support in school settings as important. They also contributed towards the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry into the profound impact of inadequate support on the education, well-being, and future prospects of young carers.
Supporting schools to recognise and support young carers remains a priority in the year ahead.
Hear from our community...
"Sometimes as a young carer you need space, and sometimes you need to be looked after."
Rebecca is a young carer. She cares for her Mum, her Dad and her brother, who each have different needs of their own. Rebecca carefully balances her hobbies, school life and her own needs alongside those of her family.
