Young Carers
What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is someone who is under the age of 18 who provides care for a family member or friend who needs assistance due to disability, illness, mental health condition, or addiction.
Examples of what a young carers daily tasks are:
- Helping with medications.
- Making meals.
- Washing clothes.
- Helping someone get dressed or move around.
- Providing emotional support.
Support Available
- Youth Sessions for 11-18 years
- Holiday Scheme (during school holidays
- Positive family activities
- Study support workshops
- Residential Breaks
- Family Support & Guidance
- Education Welfare
Young carers lead: Miss Bridgewater (Safeguarding Hub)
Young carers Safeguarding Champion: Miss Hipkiss
Find out if you qualify as a Young Carer and get the support you need by clicking the link below.
Young Carers Lunch Club
At Ormiston Forge Academy, we are committed to supporting the young people in our community who take on caring responsibilities at home. To help them feel understood, connected, and supported, we run a dedicated Young Carers Club twice a week. This safe and welcoming space gives students the chance to relax, share experiences, and access guidance tailored to their needs. The club is led by our Young Carers Safeguarding Champion, Miss Hipkiss, who works closely with students to ensure they receive the encouragement and support they deserve.
Children and Families Act 2014:
This law is all about making sure you, as a young carer, get the right support. It says that councils need to find out if you need help and provide it. This could be things like someone to talk to, help with school, or even just a break from caring. The goal is to make sure caring doesn’t stop you from having a normal life and doing what you want to do.
Care Act 2014:
This one is mostly for adults, but it’s important for you too. When you’re getting close to 18, the council needs to start thinking about how they’ll support you as an adult. They’ll check what help you might need and make a plan so you don’t suddenly lose all your support when you turn 18. It helps make sure you’re still looked after as you grow up.
Under the Children and Families Act 2014, young carers have the right to an assessment of their needs to determine what support they require. The Care Act 2014 ensures that as they approach 18, their needs are assessed to plan for a smooth transition to adult care services, ensuring continuous support.
