What is an Adult Young Carer?
An adult young carer is someone aged 16-25 who helps to look after someone in their family, or a friend, due to:-
Learning disability
Mental Health needs
Physical disability
Long term or terminal illness
Substance dependency
Sensory Impairment
Frailty
What might a Young Carer do?
Practical tasks, like cooking, housework and shopping.
Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed.
Personal care, such as helping someone dress.
Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
Helping to give medicine.
Helping someone communicate.
Looking after brothers and sisters.
Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed.
Personal care, such as helping someone dress.
Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
Helping to give medicine.
Helping someone communicate.
Looking after brothers and sisters.
Support in College
In college, we recognise that some of our students will be Young Adult Carers and will be balancing their studies with additional responsibilities at home. We are committed to supporting these students and provide:
- A dedicated Young Carers Lead to provide support and advocate for the Young Carers in college.
- Regular meetings offered with the Young Carers Lead.
- Liaising with teachers and other members of staff on behalf of Young Carers.
- Priority 1:1 appointments with Academic Coach.
- Support with bursary application and advice on financial issues.
- Transition to university/Next Steps support.
- Monthly drop-in sessions in college with both Birmingham (YMCA) and Solihull Carers Trust.
- Signposting to internal and external support.
- A Young Carers Charter and Policy that prioritises the needs and welfare of Young Carers.
- Internal Mental Health Lead and Counselling services to support wellbeing.
