Young Carers at Prime8

A young carer is a child or young person who helps to look after someone at home who could not manage without their support.

This may be a parent, brother, sister, grandparent or another family member who has:

• A physical illness or disability
• A long-term health condition
• Mental health difficulties
• Problems with drugs or alcohol
• Additional support needs

What might a young carer do?

A young carer may:

• Help with cooking, cleaning or shopping
• Look after younger brothers or sisters
• Provide emotional support to a family member
• Help someone get dressed or move around
• Collect prescriptions or help with medication
• Help manage appointments or household tasks
• Help someone communicate
• Worry about or regularly check on someone at home

Sometimes young people do not realise that they are a young carer because helping at home has always been a normal part of their life.

Do you think you might be a young carer?

If you think you may have caring responsibilities at home, you can complete our short Young Carers questionnaire.

Complete our Young Carers questionnaire 

The questionnaire will help us understand a little more about your situation and whether you may benefit from additional support.

You can also speak directly to Jennie, our Young Carers Lead, if you would prefer.

How Prime8 can support you

Being a young carer can sometimes affect your education, wellbeing, friendships and the amount of free time you have.

At Prime8, we want young carers to know that they do not have to manage everything alone.

Support may include:

• A named member of staff to talk to: Jennie or Keyworker
• Regular check-ins
• Help communicating with home where appropriate
• Support with attendance or punctuality where caring responsibilities are having an impact
• Flexibility and understanding around individual circumstances
• Signposting or referrals to local Young Carer support services
• Opportunities to take part in wellbeing or social activities where available

Support will always be considered around the needs of the individual young person.

Information for Parents and Carers

If your child has caring responsibilities at home, please let us know.

Sharing this information can help us understand any difficulties they may be experiencing and make sure the right support is in place.

Young carers may sometimes experience:

• Tiredness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Worry or anxiety about family members
• Reduced attendance or lateness
• Difficulty completing work outside provision
• Limited time for friendships or activities
• Changes in mood or behaviour

If you think your child may be a young carer, please contact Jennie, Young Carers Lead, or your child’s keyworker or encourage them to complete the Young Carers questionnaire above.

Further Support

Young carers in Nottinghamshire can also access support through local Young Carer services, including advice, activities and opportunities to meet other young people with similar experiences.

Young Carers Notts: youngcarersnotts.org.uk

Prime8 Young Carers Lead: Jennie: jburton@prime8education.co.uk