Young Unsung Heroes - Bexley

Summary

We gathered the views of 27 young carers (aged 8-16) who attend the Bexley Young Carers Chill Club through fun games which encouraged interaction.

As part of the Bexley Young Carers service, all young carers are assessed. Those who are at a high to medium risk of inappropriate or excessive caring are supported through 1:1 sessions and attend Chill Club, depending on their individual needs.

A member of the Bexley Young Carers team took a short questionnaire to 6 of the Young Carers they visited in the school setting. We also met with representatives from Bexley Moorings who run a young person’s befriending service.

The young carers report was disseminated to all schools in the borough and was presented to the Dedicated Teachers Forum, to raise awareness of young carers and encourage schools to sign up to the free, Carers Trust, Young Carers in School initiative.

Key Findings

• For many of the young carers attending Chill Club was the only activity outside of school that they were able to take part in.

• They said it was easier to talk to other young carers at the group as they had a shared understanding of being a young carer.

• 83% of young carers told us they provided or sometimes provided care during the night and believed that caring did not affect their school life.

• However, 69% told us they were sometimes late for school with 62% never or only sometimes being able to complete their homework on time.