Young carers take part in national award scheme

There are 75 young carers at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

Young carers from Wiltshire are taking part in a national award which aims to raise awareness of the hidden work of the group.

There are 75 young carers at the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy. Kerry Heaphy, deputy head of inclusion said the award scheme helps them "identify our young carers, look out for them and support them".

The scheme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for schools to gain the practical tools they need.

The academy has a lunch club which Year 7 student Eva praised: "You get to meet up and it's a safe space to talk about stuff."

Those who care for a loved one who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction and cannot cope without additional support, and are aged under 18 are defined as young carers.

The Young Carers in Schools Award is based on five categories: understand, inform, identify, listen and support.

It focuses on addressing young carers needs, raising awareness, giving them space to express their feelings, signposting resources and services and most helps identifying children who may not realise that caring for a loved one qualifies them as a young carer.

Mrs Heaphy added: "As part of that, we gained the Wiltshire Carer Young Friendly Award. Through that, Wiltshire Council contacted me to let me know that there was a national young carer award."

She added it was never about getting awards but being there for her students: "If we're already doing a lot of what ticks the boxes to gain the award then we can look at making sure that we're giving the best possible support to the students."

Teachers Chante Drummond (left) and Kerry Heaphy (right) say its important students have a place to talk

A new lunch time club for young carers has recently started at the school and allows the students to get together, seek advice and understand that there's other young carers in the same position.

Hannah said: "It feels really good because loads of people at school don't know but then here, its really fun because you don't have to hide anything."

Year 8 student James said part of working towards the award includes mentoring younger students: "The schools offering some of us young cares to go over to Noremarsh school to mentor the younger students who are young carers.

"I think it will help tell them that they're not alone in their situation."