All schools 'should be required to appoint a young carers lead', says charity
Joe Lepper and Amrit Virdi
Thursday, March 14, 2024
The government is being called on to make it a requirement for all schools to appoint a young carers lead to better coordinate their support.
The recommendation is being made by the Carers Trust as it looks to introduce a young carers covenant across schools, businesses, and other organisations. Those that sign up would agree to support young carers.
School young carer leads would likely be a staff member who is responsible for coordinating support.
The charity wants the appointment of leads to also be a requirement for colleges and universities.
According to the charity there are two young carers in every classroom on average, but two in five say they do not get enough support to balance their education and caring responsibilities.
Pledges through the young carers covenant include identifying young carers needs “at the earliest opportunity”, to ensure they “can access and succeed” with opportunities in employment and training, and “are able to thrive in education”.
Signatories would also promise to ensure young carers feel safe, can make choices about their lives and know about their rights and support their health.
“The lives of young carers in the UK are very different to those of their classmates,” said Carers Trust chief executive Kirsty McHugh.
“Many spend time making sure medication is taken by their loved ones, cooking meals and even running household finances. Without proper support, these huge responsibilities can overwhelm young carers and have a devastating impact on their education and future prospects.
“Having a young carer lead and a policy setting out what support is available in every school would make a huge difference to their lives, helping to identify and support them.”
Andy McGowan, policy & practice manager at the Carer’s Trust, told CYP Now that the covenant is a set of 10 outcomes designed by young carers to improve their lives.
"It's a commitment to take action to give a fair future for all young carers. In two days we've already had over 150 individuals, organisations and politicians sign up.
"Right now, we've got over 15,000 children across the country caring for over 50 hours every week. That is something that has to change.
"There are issues facing young carers across education, health, social care, and employment as a financial aspect. All of these issues need a cross-government approach to improve the lives of young carers. All political parties need to be aware of important role that young carers play and need to support them. If carers stopped caring now, NHS and social care would fall to their knees. They have to be a top priority as we go into the election," said McGowan.
The covenant is backed by Children’s Commissioner for England Rachel de Souza.
“When I speak to young carers they tell me they often feel misunderstood and invisible,” she said.
“I have been calling for measures to be introduced for young carers to be identified as early possible and I very much welcome this initiative.”
The Carers Trust is also calling on the government to scrap its 21-hour rule for young carers, which means they are unable to claim carer’s allowance if they study for more than 21 hours a week.
The young carers covenant is inspired by an existing set of pledges for armed forces personnel run by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust.
This week the Children’s Society has launched a three-year programme called Nexus funded by the Trust aimed at supporting young carers aged between eight and 18 from armed forces families.
This involves support through sharing stories, talking to other young carers as well as activity sessions aimed around building their confidence. Residential sessions are also included.
