Young Carers

Who are Young Carers?

Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old who provide unpaid care to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances.

The tasks and level of caring undertaken by young carers can vary according to the nature of the illness or disability, the level and frequency of need for care and the structure of the family as a whole.

A young carer may undertake some or all of the following:

·         practical tasks such as cooking, housework, shopping

·         physical care such as lifting, helping up the stairs and physiotherapy

·         personal care such as dressing, washing and helping someone go to the toilet

·         emotional support such as listening, calming someone and being present

·         household management such as paying the bills, managing finances and  

          collecting benefits

·         looking after siblings such as putting to be and walking to school

·         interpreting for parents with hearing or speech impediments or English as an

          additional language

·         administering medication such as insulin needles and preparing daily tablets.

 

If you think you or someone you know is a Young Carer, please email us; youngcarers@dgsb.co.uk (this is checked by lunchtime on school days and not continuously monitored)

 

DGSB Whole School Commitment to Young Carers

DGSB is committed to meeting the needs of young carers so that they can attend and enjoy school in the same way as other pupils/students and achieve their potential.

We have designated Young Carers’ School Leads for each Key Stage with responsibility for young carers and their families, as shown on noticeboards and website. Support can be accessed via youngcarers@dgsb.co.uk.

DGSB only shares information with professionals and agencies on a need to know basis in order to support pupils and their families.

The school actively seeks feedback and ideas from young carers and their families to shape and improve support; please email us via youngcarers@dgsb.co.uk.

 

 

What support does DGSB offer their Young Carers?

If you need to make a phone call home, you can go to your Key Stage Office and make it in private.

There is a dedicated email where you can message us if you need to; youngcarers@dgsb.co.uk (this is checked by lunchtime on school days and not continuously monitored).

We can help you get a FREE bus pass.

There are specific staff you can go to; 

Mr Wakefield or Mrs Dalton

KS3; Mrs McClellan

KS4; Mrs Robinson 

KS5; Mrs Lavender

 

The rest is up to you; we want to hear what our Young Carers would like support with and how you receive it.

Would you prefer 1:1 or group session or both?

Are there any skills that you would help you with your caring role, such as First Aid, Fire Safety or cooking?

Would you like to do fun activities; art and craft, sport based or something more relaxing?

Let us know; email youngcarers@dgsb.co.uk

 

Homework help

We understand that it can be difficult sometimes to juggle school work and home life.

Did you know that the library is available every lunchtime for you do your homework, revise and print out school work?

If the library is shut, the Learning Centre is available.

If you are struggling to complete your homework, please talk to your tutor or subject teacher and explain why; they will help!

 

Useful links

https://kooth.com/

https://doversmartproject.co.uk/young-carers/

 

Young Carers - Dover Smart Project

If you are a Young Carer or Young Adult Carer and you like art then you might like to join our support group in the gallery. Young Carers meet every Saturday morning from 10.30am to midday.

https://doversmartproject.co.uk/