Dundee Carers Centre organised an informative session with school staff from primary and secondary schools in the city to share working practices and experiences to assist with identifying and supporting young carers.
As we embark on a new term, we felt it important to ensure staff felt equipped and supported to help identify young carers at an early stage. This will allow young carers a greater chance of a good school/life balance and the support they need to sustain this alongside their caring role – Neil Campbell, Dundee Carers Centre CEO
The session allowed over 50 school staff to come together and share their knowledge, learn about new resource packs that are available from Dundee Carers Centre, and continue to offer support to young carers and their families.
Currently Dundee Carers Centre supports 500+ young carers in Dundee (age 18 and under). Every primary school and secondary school have a link worker from Dundee Carers Centre and Young Carers Ambassadors are identified in every secondary school in Dundee.
Quotes from school worker and young carers
I really enjoy the fact that there are people who are in a similar situation to me because it makes me feel less alone – Young Carer
You can see such a difference in the amount of young carers coming forward and speaking about their caring roles and the group openly in school. It’s not something they keep secret anymore because there doesn’t seem to be any stigma around it anymore – Staff Worker
I used to be embarrassed I was a young carer….it wasn’t something that I necessarily talked about openly. Getting to know the young carers staff and other young carers has helped me open up more about my role and feel confident about the job I do. I’m very proud of that and I’m proud to be a young carer – Young Carer
Learn more about how Dundee Carers Centre support Young Carers
Learn more about support available in your local schools