Young Carers
At Boston High School we recognise the difficulties that our Young Carers can have and offer support by having a designated Young Carer Lead, Mrs Mandy Taylor, who works alongside a member of SLT, Mrs Kathy Farley.
Who are young carers and how are they identified?
It is believed nationally that there are over 700,000 Young Carers who help care for their parents, grandparents or younger siblings.
The Lincolnshire Young Carers service is designed to help and support children and young people up to the age of 18 years who help to care for someone at home.
That person may be a parent, sibling, grandparent, or any other relative who has a:
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Physical disability
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Mental health condition
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Learning disability
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Misuses alcohol or drugs
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Sensory impairment (hearing or sight loss)
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Life limiting condition
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Any other long term illness or condition
The role undertaken by young carers can include:
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Helping the person they care for to get dressed or washed
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Extra housework, shopping, or cooking
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Helping with medication
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Emotional support
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Helping a sibling with a disability
Young carers often take on responsibilities which may affect their friendships and relationships, learning and development, health and wellbeing, or future career choices.
They may experience increased levels of stress or anxiety, feelings of isolation and loneliness, lack of time to take part in social activities, and difficulties in keeping up with their education: classwork, revision or homework.
Internal Support
If you think you are a Young Carer or think you/your child might qualify as a Young Carer at BHS and wish to know more, please feel free to contact Mrs Taylor at: mandy.taylor@bostonhighschool.co.uk or on 01205 310505.
We run a dedicated support group, called Smile Club, where we identify, support and nurture young carers via Art, Craft and Baking wellbeing activities, one period a fortnight.
Mrs Farley also supports discretionary funding towards trips and activities for young carers.
Young carers are also entitled to Half Term Activity Vouchers, for half term activities ran by LCC.
External support
We work closely with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Young Carers Team, and they can also be contacted at: youngcarers@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Further information can be found in the posters below.
