Young Carers

Young Carers

At SAS Mentoring, we believe that all children have the right to an education regardless of their home life. We understand that there are likely to be young carers among our learners and that being a young carer can have an adverse effect on a young person’s education. We hope that we will be able to relieve some of the worries that young carers may have about home and their academics.

Who are Young Carers?

Young carers are children and young people whose lives are affected by looking after someone at home. They are carrying out tasks and responsibilities in addition to those appropriate for their age. The person they look after may have one or more of the following:

  • Physical disability.
  • Mental health issues.
  • Learning difficulties.
  • Alcohol- or drug-related problems.
  • Long-term illness.

The person they care for may be a parent, sibling, or grandparent and the care they give may be physical and/or emotional. Young carers’ responsibilities may include:

  • Personal care (e.g. bathing, dressing, feeding).
  • Giving or prompting medication/injections.
  • Shopping.
  • Housework.
  • Emotional support.
  • Looking after younger siblings.
  • Budgeting and paying bills.

If you feel that your child may be a young carer, please feel free to get in touch to discuss the support that we can put into place.

Supporting Young Carers

We understand that our provision can play a crucial role in supporting young carers. We will do this by providing:

  • Peer on Peer support sessions
  • Quiet Spaces
  • Cooking sessions
  • Well-being check-ins
  • Regular communication with home
  • Involvement in their own support plans
  • Transition support
Wiltshire Children and Young People Wellbeing Service Tel: 0300 247 0090 (option 4) Information, advice and wellbeing support for children aged 5-18 who live in Wiltshire or are registered with a Wiltshire GP.
Integrated Front Door Wiltshire IFD Contact for concerns about a young person at risk of significant harm or injury.
Wiltshire Council - Young Carers Wiltshire Young Carers Information on the young carers assessment with IFD to register them as a young carer, as well as information about youth action Wiltshire and the provision they offer.
Youth Action Wiltshire Community First Commissioned by Wiltshire Council to provide the Young Carers Service. They have young carer support workers for each Wiltshire region and offer fun breaks with other young carers.
Teen Talk Young Melksham Free confidential service for young people aged 11-25
Connect - Young People’s Substance Use Service Connect Wiltshire Substance misuse service for young people aged 11-18 in Wiltshire
Carers Together Wiltshire Carers Together Wiltshire Support for young carers 16-25 years. Including assessment, transition and finances.
Young Carers Development Trust Young Carers Development A registered charity that engages with Young Carers in Year 9, 10 and 11 who are providing a ‘significant level of care’. They provide financial, educational guidance, and mentoring during key exam years.
Wiltshire Shout Service Wiltshire Shout Services The 24/7 text messaging support service provides free confidential support for anyone in Wiltshire who is struggling with their mental health. As it is free, it will not appear on anyone's phone bill.
Spurgeon's Family Hubs Spurgeons The Family Hub Wiltshire Council provides parental and family support services for children and young people aged 0-19 (extending to 25 with SEND) ensuring a strong foundation for your child's future.
Gary Jenkins

SLT Young Carers Lead

Stacey Gibbs

Young Carers Champion

Our Young Carers champions can be contacted via email - youngcarers@sasmentoring.co.uk