Young Carers at Holy Family

At Holy Family, we have a number of Young Carers, some of whom are registered with Swindon Young Carers too.  Our wonderful Young Carers range from Year 1 to Year 6. We want Young Carers to be recognised, feel supported and know thy have someone to speak to if they need to.

By definition, a Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a family member  or friend who has a physical or mental health condition or who misuses drugs or alcohol.  They may also look after brothers sisters or elderly relatives too. 

Helping out around the house is a normal part of growing up, but young carers regularly carry out significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility which is inappropriate to their age

A Young Carer may do some or all of the following:

• Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
• Physical care, such as lifting, helping a parent on stairs or with physiotherapy.
• Personal care, such as dressing, washing, helping with toileting needs.
• Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions.
• Administering medication.
• Looking after or “parenting” younger siblings.
• Emotional support.

Some Young Carers may undertake high levels of care, whereas for others it may be frequent low levels of care. Either can impact heavily on a child or young person. You can find more information on Swindon Young Carers at Young Carers - Swindon Carers Centre Centre.

If you think your child might be a Young Carer, Holy Family can provide support to your child.  Please contact Miss Prince by emailing pastoral@holyfamily.swindon.sch.uk.