Young Carers at Chilton

What is a Young Carer?

“A young carer is someone aged under 18 who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.”

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.

What we do in school to support our Young Carers?

Working in conjunction with Be Free Young Carers, we, as a school, have begun to implement strategies to support our Young Carers. We are working with parents and staff to identify children who will benefit from additional, targeted support with their well-being. Through weekly Mindful Movement sessions, Nature Rangers, Young Carers groups and targeted individual support, we aim to provide a space for our Young Carers to be free from the pressures they may face.

 How to contact us directly should you think your child is a young carer.

If you believe that your child may be a Young Carer and would benefit from the support available, please contact your child’s class teacher or reach out to Mrs Elliot, who is our Young Carers Lead, on the Pine class email Pine@chilton.oxon.sch.uk.

Should you want further information on the invaluable work the charity Be Free Young Carers does, they can be contacted directly through their website: Be Free Young Carers Website

 “Be Free YC is the only charity in Oxfordshire devoted to improving young carers’ well-being and opportunities, through the provision of recreational, emotional and social support. For over 30 years, Be Free Young Carers have and continue to support young carers age 8-17 years old and their families. We help these young people have a chance to be children, relax, make friends and have fun away from the pressures of their caring roles, away from the anxiety and stress so many feel. We are currently the only specialist organisation in Oxfordshire offering this support to children caring for a loved one.”