Young Carers in Schools is a nation-wide initiative making it as easy as possible for schools to support young carers. The award scheme provides schools with a step-by-step guide to help them achieve awards at bronze, silver and gold level. With support from Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, schools across the county can access support and guidance to create a carer friendly culture in their school.
Cromwell Community College is the first school in Cambridgeshire to be awarded with the gold award for supporting young carers. The support available in school is valued by both pupils and staff, many of whom were ‘hidden’ young carers before the programme began. A young carer said “since joining the Young Carers group at Cromwell, I have realised that there are many other children in the same situation as me and I am not alone. I have enjoyed helping with our fundraising events in school, which have raised money to support Young Carer outings in the holidays. We are all looking forward to Carers Week in June when we hope to do another event to raise awareness and fundraise.”
Jane Horn, Principal at Cromwell Community College said, “To be recognised as a College which supports young carers as well as we do is a fantastic achievement. I am humbled by their capacity to care and support others, often at the expense of their own well-being. We recognise the challenges which these amazing young people face on daily basis and this process has made us reflect on what we can do to support them in anyway. I am proud to work with such dedicated colleagues who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we do our utmost to meet the needs of young carers and I am delighted to receive this award. Raising awareness of the issues which these young people face can only serve to support them further.”
If you are interested in getting involved in the Young Carers in Schools programme please contact Tania Bingham at Carers Trust Cambridgeshire by calling 0345 241 0954 or emailing [email protected]
