St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Young Carers

Mrs M Penelrick

Mrs M Penelrick

Parent Support Advisor / TIS Practitioner / Young Carer Lead

m.penelrick@plymouthcast.com
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At St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise the importance of identifying and supporting young carers within our school community. 

In the UK, a young carer is a child or young person under 18 who regularly provides practical, emotional, or financial support to a family member who is disabled, has a mental health condition, or faces substance misuse issues. This support is crucial because the family member would otherwise struggle to cope without it. 
Key aspects of being a young carer in the UK:

Age: Under 18 years old. 


Caring responsibilities: Providing support to a family member who needs help due to illness, disability, mental health issues, or addiction. 


Regularity: The support provided is on a regular basis, not just occasional help. 


Impact: The care provided by a young carer can significantly impact their own well-being, education, and development. 


Support and Recognition: Local authorities have a legal duty to identify and support young carers in their area. 


Examples of caring responsibilities:
Helping with personal care (dressing, bathing, etc.).
Assisting with daily tasks (cooking, shopping, cleaning).
Providing emotional support and comfort.
Managing finances, paying bills, or collecting benefits.
Taking the person to appointments or providing transportation. 

To ensure these children feel supported, Mrs. Penelrick, our school’s Young Carer Lead, organises regular events, including fun weekly meet-ups with other young carers. These sessions provide a safe environment where young carers can share their experiences, gain peer support, and understand that they are not alone in their situation.

We work closely with outside organisations to offer further support. This includes project workers for Plymouth Young Carers, from The Children's Society.

Please make school aware if you think your child/children could be Young Carers. 

Any other questions or advice please contact Mrs Penelrick