Young Carers
What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who helps care for a family member or friend with a physical or mental health condition, or who misuses drugs or alcohol. They may also care for their siblings or elderly relatives. Young carers often take on responsibilities beyond their years, such as:
- Shopping, cooking, and cleaning
- Managing medicines or finances
- Providing personal care
- Helping someone get out of the house
- Keeping an eye on a loved one
- Offering emotional support
Supporting Our Young Carers
At The Duchy of Lancaster, we understand that being a young carer can be a challenging and stressful experience. That's why we are committed to identifying young carers early and ensuring they receive the support they need to achieve educational outcomes on par with their peers.
Our dedicated Young Carer Champions,
Kevin Neech (Lead – kneech@trinitypartnership.norfolk.sch.uk) and
Damon Finney, (SLT Link dfinney@trinitypartnership.norfolk.sch.uk) are here to provide a listening ear, practical assistance, and connections to local support services. Students and families can reach out to them directly or through the school office, and they also host regular Young Carers lunches, have a student message box and monthly afternoon sessions.
By fostering an environment of respect and safety, we empower our young carers to embrace their unique strengths and resilience. We recognise that they may face additional responsibilities and stresses, and we work to ensure they have the time and resources to participate in extracurricular activities and maintain strong peer relationships.
Supporting Young Carers at The Duchy of Lancaster
At The Duchy of Lancaster, a primary academy school, we are committed to ensuring that all our students, including young carers, are Ready, Respectful, and Safe to learn and thrive. Our vision and values are at the heart of everything we do, guiding us to provide the support and resources our young carers need to succeed.
Resources and Further Information
To learn more about supporting young carers, we encourage you to visit the following websites:
At The Duchy of Lancaster, we are committed to ensuring that every student, including our young carers, feels ready, respectful, and safe to reach their full potential. By working together as a community, we can provide the support and resources our young carers need to thrive.