Young Carers
Young Carers at Acle Academy
At Acle Academy, we are committed to ensuring that all students get the support they need to have a positive school experience, and develop into well-rounded young people and members of our community.
We know that for some students, factors outside of school can have a huge impact on this, particularly if they have a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or an addiction.
We are dedicated to promoting whole school awareness and understanding of Young Carers and the challenges they might face, and we offer the following provisions and support:
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Mrs Pointer (TA for Mental Health & Wellbeing) is our Young Carers Champion and can offer support, advocacy and guidance to Young Carers and their families. You can contact Mrs Pointer directly at Cpointer@acle.norfolk.sch.uk, or via your Head of Year. You can also drop in to see her at The Nest at break times.
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In addition, Miss Frary (Assistant Principal - Inclusion, SENDco & DSL) is our Senior Leadership Team member responsible for Young Carers and you can contact her at Lfrary@acle.norfolk.sch.uk.
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We promote awareness of Young Carers and their needs through assemblies and form-time activities.
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We offer a monthly lunch-time group in The Nest for Young Carers to socialise, chat to staff and take part in a range of activities. We also plan to offer some special trips and opportunities to celebrate our Young Carers.
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We can signpost you and your family to support from local organisations and make referrals to Carers Matter.
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We have a Young Carers notice board in INSPIRE with lots of information about local activities and support available to Young Carers.
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We respect Young Carers’ right to privacy and will only share information about you and your family with people who need to know to help you.
Am I a Young Carer?
‘You are a young carer if you are under 18 and are looking after someone regularly because they’re physically or mentally ill, disabled or have an addiction. You might be caring for your mum, dad or grandparent or you might be helping your parents care for a brother or sister who is unwell, has a disability or special needs.
Some people start giving care at a very young age and don’t really realise they’re carers. Other young people become carers overnight when someone in their family has an accident, or another carer becomes unavailable.’ (Youngcarersmatter.org)
Young carers might help someone with:
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Washing, dressing or taking medicines
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Shopping, cleaning and laundry
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Paying bills and organising finances
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Watching over someone if they can’t be left alone
If you believe you might be a Young Carer, please contact Mrs Pointer or your Head of Year to find out what support we could offer you and your family.
For more information and advice, please see the following links and resources:
https://www.youngcarersmatternorfolk.org/
https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/
