What is a Young Carer?

Aged between 5 and 18 years old, Young Carers look after someone (family member or friend) who has an illness, disability, mental health condition, alcohol/ substance dependency or HIV/AIDS.

Young Carers take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

What does Park Hall do for Young Carers?

At Park Hall we offer help and support for Young Carers. We understand that Young Carers can deal with a lot at home and we believe it is important that they have someone to talk to and support them in school with their learning.

"If we have had a bad day at home we will come and talk about it the next day. Teachers are really understanding and will allow youto take a few minutes if it all gets a bit much"

^{Lucy Year 7}

All Young Carers are given a Park Hall Academy Young Carers Card. This card explains that the student is a Young Carer and may need to take a few minutes out of lessons or to call home. The students are then able to show the card to any member of staff without having to explain their situation.

"I told Park Hall that I was a Young Carer after we had an assembly on it. Now that the school know I am more confident in coming to school. Before, I was worried about getting into trouble when I hadn't had time to do my homework. Now the teachers understand and I can have more time to complete it"

^{Hannah Year 8}

Young Carers Awards

In December 2013, Park Hall received the Bronze, Silver and Gold award for achievement in the Solihull Young Carers School Award Scheme. As the first school in Solihull to receive the award, we are extremely proud - especially of our carers and the staff that provide them with the care and help they need.

Who to Contact

If you think you may be a Young Carer, know someone who is or for help and advice speak to your Mrs H Downing. 

If you decide to speak to us about being a Young Carer you can assure you that your privacy will be respected and anything you mention will be in confidence.

You can also contact Solihull Young Carers directly on 0121 788 1143 or youngcarers@solihullcarers.org.uk

• Solihull Young Carers

Solihull Young Carers Service supports children and young people who are aged between 5 and 18 caring for a family member of a friend. They have Support Workers at the service who are able to help you with:

• Sign Posting
  Finding other services that can help
• Advocacy
  Speak to people on your behalf
• One-to-One Support
  Speak to somebody in private and how you feel
• School and Homework
  They can help you with school issues.

You can meet with other Young Carers on trips out, especially during the holiday times, including:

• Day Trips Out
• Mini-Holidays
• Group Sessions
• School Holiday Activities

For more information visit www.solihullcarers.org/young-carers