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I am a teacher

A teacher presenting to her class

Why support young carers?

You can improve their educational future.

'Some young people have no choice but to provide care. It can take up a lot of time and cause a lot of stress. Only 38% of young primary carers aged between 20 and 24 years old have completed year 12.

You can improve their lives.

'Some young carers don’t identify with the term ‘carer’. Some young carers don't identify out of fear. You could be the person that gives them the knowledge or confidence to reach out for support.'

 

How to support young carers

Look out for students that may be young carers.

'Don’t make assumptions. They can be any age under 25 and of either sex. Look out for students who are often tired, missing class or falling behind. Or leave school during the day or are away often.' 

But be careful how you approach them.

'Young carers appreciate having a choice about what they share. Talk to them in a comfortable environment when their peers are not around. Use a non-pressured conversation starter.' 

Start by empathising with them.

'Tell them you respect their caring role. Acknowledge the challenges they face. Ask them if you can help. Offer to talk to other teachers on their behalf.'

Then provide them with some support.

'Help them with schoolwork. Give them more time. Let them keep their mobile phones in class. Connect them with support programs. Stop them from experiencing bullying.' 

And connect them with support services outside the school environment.

'State and territory carers associations support young carers. They can connect young carers to support groups and counselling. They may also run activities for young carers to connect to each other.' 

Keep an eye out for bullying.

'Young carers don’t have the same out-of-school life as their peers. They may not have the time or be in the right headspace to engage in social and sporting activities. This may lead to bullying.'

And raise awareness among the school community.

'Young carers feel different. They fear bullying, social exclusion and negative judgements. Build up the support around them by raising awareness among the school community.'

 

Helpful resources

Australia

2013 Carers In Higher Education

2011 Supporting Rural And Remote Young Carers

2011 Primary School Resource

2010 Young Carers In Education

Supporting Young Carers In Secondary Schools

Help Identify And Support Young Carers

 

United Kingdom

2014 Action For Young Carers Resource Pack For Schools

2014 Young Carers Resource Pack For School

2013 Supporting Young Carers In Schools Guide For Teachers

2012 Making Education Count For Young Carers

2011 Supporting Young Carers In Secondary Schools

2011 Supporting Young Carers A Resource For Schools

2009 Supporting Young Carers Teachers And Parents Guide

2005 Young Carers Teachers Guide and Educational Resource

2005 The Education Network Young Carers

2005 Young Carers In Schools Everyone’s Responsibility

2002 Young Carers and Education

Lesson Resource Pack For Teachers

Doing The Right Thing Well In Schools

School Resource Pack

Young Carers Resource Pack For Schools

Supporting Young Carers When A Loved One Dies

 

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