Young Carers at The Barlow
What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is someone under 18, who provides help and support, unpaid, to a family member, friend or neighbour who has any type of physical or mental illness, disability or misuses substances such as alcohol or drugs. Very often, people do not recognise themselves as 'carers'; they are relatives, friends or neighbours who find themselves in a caring role, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually, and simply do what needs to be done to support their loved one. A carer may not always live with the person they care for, but their help may be essential in enabling that person to continue living independently.
What might a Young Carer do?
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Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
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Physical care, such as lifting or helping someone use the stairs.
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Offer emotional support: listening, calming and being present.
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Personal care: dressing, washing, helping with bathroom needs.
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Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions.
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Accompanying someone to medical appointments.
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Helping with medication management.
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Helping someone communicate, perhaps through sign language or interpreting.
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Looking after younger siblings.
At The Barlow we celebrate and champion the important job that our Young Carers do. We also recognise that the role can, at times, be demanding both physically and emotionally. For this reason, there is a wealth of support available to our Young Carers in school:
Young Carers Champion – Strategic Lead: Mrs N Staniforth
Young Carers Champion – Operational Lead: Miss M McGlashan
School Support Offer:
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Weekly Drop - In / HW Support Club every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime in IT1.
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Half-termly Young Carer Breakfasts.
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Exciting opportunities to take part in trips and activities with other Young Carers in the city.
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For any further information or support, email: youngcarers@thebarlowrchigh.co.uk
Useful Resources:
https://me-we.eu/booklet/growing-up-as-a-carer/
https://carers.org/help-for-carers/carer-services-near-you/116-manchester-carers-centre