Empowering young carers in schools: Helen Jones’ work in Caerphilly Borough Carers team

Helen Jones pictures on the furthest right

Helen Jones is a Carers Support Worker at Caerphilly Borough Carers Team, and as part of her work she goes into schools to support young carers.

Working with young carers and schools

Young carers in schools can be referred into our service via a JAFF referral (Joint Assessment Family Framework) which identifies the families or individuals’ needs and can direct them to the correct service or project.

Once a carer has been referred into our service, we will have a “what matters” conversation to determine who they care for, their caring role and how we can support them.

Once a young carer has been identified, they may have the opportunity to access a young carer group in their school. Young carer peer groups and peer support can be of enormous value. This shows there are other young people in similar situations and that they’re not alone.

When in groups, everyone has an opportunity to discuss problems, worries or concerns, and it can make a difference to know there is support from others dealing with similar situations.

They also have the opportunity to find out what has worked for others, which may broaden their horizon, and give something new a try.

Connecting with schools

I have a very good relationship with my schools, to ensure we work together to offer as much support as possible to our young carers.

My link with the schools is mostly through Wellbeing teams or ALNCos, where we discuss and support young carers. When Multi Agency Panel meetings are held in schools, we’re invited to attend when there’s a young carer being discussed.

We promote the card through our service, when we link in with young carers and schools at our events.

The YCID in schools

Due to their caring role, some young people may arrive late at school or college and can feel embarrassed having to say why they’re late.

The card, therefore, is a subtle way of showing why they’re late, without having to explain their circumstances to a room full of peers. After the lesson, the staff member can take them to the side and check in to make sure everything is ok and if any support is needed.

I know of one young carer who is using the ID card to collect his siblings from school, as mum can be unwell and unable to collect them herself.

We promote the card through our service, when we link in with young carers and schools at our events. We also offer assemblies in schools, where this information is shared, along with application forms for the card