On Tuesday 25th April, Jess, Young Carers & Young Adult Carers Project Manager, had the pleasure of attending an Assembly at East Point Academy. Rather than hosting the Assembly herself to raise awareness of Young Carers, the Assembly was facilitated by the school as part of their Platinum Award criteria.
Two staff members from the school chose to share their own family carer experiences, in addition to Mrs Stanton, Head of Year 8 and the YC lead at EPA, detailing her own involvement and the support available.
Mrs Stanton told pupils she was asked seven years ago by the Head teacher to be the YC Lead for the school, admitting she agreed not knowing too much about what she was required to do or how the responsibility would grow! With the support of staff and young carers at the school, the support offer has evolved over the years and includes:
- A half termly lunch club with refreshments provided by the school, and co-hosted by an Adviser from the Young Carers service at Suffolk Family Carers
- Catch ups when required by a Young Carer Adviser
- Young Carers awareness Day at Water Lane Leisure Centre
- Presenting at Young carer Network meetings to share best practise
- All staff being aware of the YC support in school
