Young Carers

What is a Young Carer?

You are a young carer if you are under 18 and help to look after a relative who has a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, or issues related to drug or alcohol use.

Click here to view a short video that helps explain what being a young carer means

What do young carers do?

Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult,

  • Shopping, cooking, cleaning
  • Managing medicines or money
  • Providing personal care
  • Helping people get out the house
  • Keeping an eye on someone
  • Providing emotional support

Support at West Park School

At West Park School, we provide dedicated support, understanding, and practical assistance for pupils who are young carers. We are committed to ensuring every young carer is identified, supported, and able to thrive. Our provision includes:

  • 2 Young Carer Champions
  • Staff training to raise awareness and understanding
  • Clear referral pathways
  • Strong partnerships with specialist external agencies

Together, we work to reduce the impact of caring responsibilities and help young carers reach their full potential.


Potential impacts

Being a young carer can sometimes affect a young person’s:

  • Physical health – forgetting to look after your own health
  • Emotional wellbeing – feeling tired or emotionally drained
  • Social life – having to cancel plans or struggling to commit
  • Stability at home
  • Aspirations and future opportunities


“As a young carer you often have many worries which can limit concentration”

- Young carer -


Skills young carers develop

Alongside challenges, young carers often develop valuable life skills, including:

  • Financial skills
  • Cooking and household management
  • Multi-tasking
  • Effective communication
  • Time management
  • A mature outlook

Young carers may also develop qualities such as compassion, empathy, determination, and understanding, as well as transferable skills that can be valuable for future education and employment.


Young Carers Champions

If you have any questions or would like to discuss support, please contact:

  • youngcarers@westpark.derby.sch.uk

Referrals:

If your child supports someone at home, please inform us so we can offer appropriate assistance: Young Carers – Fill out form

Students with caring responsibilities can access support by completing this form: Young Carers- Students – Fill out form