The idea
Young carers are anyone under the age of 18 who has a caring responsibility for a family member. Being a young carer can have a significant impact on a a child's mental health. As a charity we provide support to young cares to support their wellbeing, we are the only chairity in Oxfordshire who offers this support to young acrers. We are looking to expand the reach of Be Free Young Carers into West Oxfordshire by utilising schools as a primary channel to identify and support young carers in the region. Our school liaison will spread awareness in schools through assemblies and discussions, we will identify and provide support to young carers through our 1-2-1 emotional support and our befriending volunteers.
What we'll deliver
- We will make contact with schools in West Oxfordshire
- Provide guidance and awareness in schools
- Provide support to over 30 new young carers
Why it's a great idea
Our project will provide young carers in West Oxfordshire with the opportunity to receive support. Our support includes making sure that schools are aware of what a young carer may look like and supporting them to create a support system for young carers in schools, increasing the support young carers can receive. Our project will also support the wellbeing of the young carers by offering 1-to-1 emotional support, giving them a chance to explore their mental health and learn coping strategies. We will additionally address the isolation experienced by young carers with our befriending volunteers, who are trusted adults for the young carers and provide them with a weekly break from their caring roles.
Steps to get it done
- Appoint school liaison worker.
- Made contact with all West Oxfordshire main stream schools.
- Establish school resource point on our website.
- Supporting 34 young carers.
- Visited 50% of the schools within West Oxfordshire.
- 50% of schools utilising our school liaison service.
- Supporting 65 young carers.
