Supporting Young Carers in Schools in Northern Ireland

The Health and Social Care Board and Education Authority are delighted to jointly launch the ‘Supporting Young Carers in Schools’ Booklet, an important resource for primary and secondary schools. 

To better support young carers in school and to raise awareness of their needs especially among educators and teachers, the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) Young Carers Group comprising the Health and Social Care Board in partnership with the Education Authority, Action for Children NI, Barnardo’s NI, Gingerbread NI and Carers Trust NI have produced a resource pack for primary and secondary school staff.

At least 10% of 16 year olds could be helping to care for a family member, providing up to 30 hours of care a week and 29% of these young carers have never told anyone outside their family about their caring responsibilities. These young people usually feel stressed, tired and isolated. 

 

 

Speaking at the event, Education Authority Chief Executive, Gavin Boyd said; “The Education Authority is proud to be a partner in this initiative to help schools understand the needs of young carers and to enhance the support provided to children and young people who have caring responsibilities. The young carers who were involved in the development of this resource are undoubtedly helping to make things a little easier for others who find themselves in similar circumstances to theirs”.

 

Click here to read more about the event by downloading the press release

 

The Supporting Young Carers in Schools Booklet can be downloaded by clicking here

 

Find out more about our Young Carers

Barnardo’s NI Young Carers have produced a short video on their experiences and role as a young carer supporting a family member. Click here to watch the video 

Action for Children’s Young Carers have put together a short photo stream collaboration of their time at the Regional Young Carers Service. Click here to watch this video

 

Contact Us:

For further information please contact CYPSP at 02895 363 261 or by email at cypsp@hscni.net 

 

Invitation: Launch of the ‘Supporting Young Carers in Schools’ Event

CYPSP would like to invite you to the launch of the Supporting Young Carers in Schools Booklet. The event will be held on:

27 September from 6pm-8pm

Linen Suite, Mossley Mill

Click here for further information

How to register

To register for this event please email Stephanie Thompson, CYPSP at Stephanie.thompson@hscni.net or telephone 02895 363 188 by Friday 8 September

 

Young Carers at Stormont

On 22 September 2016 a group of 11 young carers from Action for Children and Barnardos Young Carers Services attended a consultation with the British Irish Council’s Social Inclusion Group at Stormont Castle, followed by a meeting with Department of Health staff working in family policy. David and Jasmine from Action for Children Young Carers Service share their experience of the day.

The British Irish Council invited young people from the Regional Young Carers Service to Stormont Castle to share their views and have their voices heard on being a young carer. Click here to read more.

Young Carers Awareness Raising Pilot in Southern Outcomes Area

Young Carers Awareness Raising Pilot in Southern Outcomes Area

January 2014

As part of the work of the Regional Sub Group of the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership for Young Carers, a pilot course for raising awareness in schools about young carers has been developed by staff from the regional young carers service with support from senior colleagues in Education and Welfare.  The group has worked with young carers to learn about their school experiences and has heard directly about the difficulties which they often face in balancing responsibilities at home and at school.
Read more ….