Young Carers

After being awarded the Bronze Young Carers in School Award, St Ives School are now working towards the Silver Young Carers in School Award.

The Young Carers in Schools programme helps Primary and Secondary schools improve outcomes for Young Carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.

The Bronze Award recognises that St Ives School supports Young Carers in many ways, including; homework clubs, drop-in sessions and mentoring with a dedicated member of staff who is responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils. The school also supplies vital information to all staff about how to identify and work with Young Carers, making this information available through meetings, staff training and noticeboards. The school website also lets students and their families know where to go for help and support.

At St Ives we also work very closely with Kernow Young Carers, who provide additional support to the students. This includes meeting regularly with them on a one-to-one basis and offering respite trips and activities during the school holidays.

Are you a Carer?

A carer helps to look after another person who is not able to manage alone due to age disability, physical or mental health problems or substance misuse. This could involve supporting a partner, relative, friend or neighbour. For young carers, it means supporting a parent, sibling or other family member.

You may think that you are just helping someone, but caring can take many forms, including assisting with;

  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Communication
  • Getting in and out of bed
  • Shopping
  • Washing
  • Taking medication
  • Emotional support

Where do I go if I need to ask questions?

Contact Mrs Wooders, the young carer designated lead in your school or Mrs Veal. Mrs Wooders can arrange for Louise Tuffery to visit in school to tell you more about the service and talk to you about your situation and the support that you need.

If you are a young carer or think you might be: