When we meet a young carer we don’t just help them, we are there to help the whole family. In this case study a mother and daughter got a fresh start in Suffolk after fleeing from domestic violence. Samira had worries about starting over, but a year on she has settled into her new school and both her and her mum can see a future here, with thanks to Suffolk Family Carers.
Fleeing domestic violence
During lockdown Samira and her mother moved to Suffolk to flee domestic violence. They moved into a refuge, they had limited household items and Samira was not registered with a school. Samira was identified as a young carer by the housing officer at the refuge.
It took mum, Samira and the Young Carers Adviser a few meetings to build trust and rapport. The lockdown restrictions at the time allowed Samira, mum and the adviser to meet in the communal garden and play games or complete craft activities together. We were able to source various household items from FIND, such as saucepans, crockery and kitchen utensils to make life easier for the family.
Samira’s mum confided in the Adviser that she was illiterate so together they completed the school application forms. The Young Carer Adviser discussed with her how support from Social Services could help both of them to access the support they were entitled to. A subsequent referral was submitted by the Adviser who then supported mum in building a relationship with the appointed social worker.
Over the next few months Samira continued to have regular catch ups with her Young Carer Adviser to work on feelings and worries; moving to a new area and starting a new school is a big change and Samira was unsure whether she would like the school and make any friends. Samira confided to her Adviser that she was lonely and missed playing with other children. There were children at the refuge but they were much younger than she was.
12 months on...
Twelve months on, Samira has learnt new strategies to help her to manage her worries and has been provided with a worry monster by Suffolk Family Carers which she has found useful in putting her feelings down on paper.
Mum is saving money to buy the remaining household items they need and is also trying to secure permanent accommodation.
Thank you for all your support with getting Samira into school I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. You are one of the only people I can talk to and I can’t thank you enough
Samira has settled well into her new school where she has started to make new friends. The Adviser has been able to have Initial conversations with the school about raising awareness of young carers among staff and pupils. We will continue to work with the school to support them with establishing their own bespoke support offer for young carers in school.
Whether you are a Young Carer or a professional working with Young Carers, if you would like more information on our Young People’s Service please get in contact with us.
