Young Adult Carers

People aged 16-24 who care for a parent, sibling or other relative on a regular basis are Young Adult Carers (YAC).

You may be caring for someone because they have a physical disability, mental health condition, an addiction to drug or alcohol, or any other condition which means they need care, support and supervision.

Your time may be taken up with things like:

· cooking and cleaning

· supporting with eating, dressing and medication

· providing physical help

· taking people to regular appointments

· providing emotional support

· working to financially support the family.

Supporting you at college

Caring for someone requires time and energy. We know that you may find it hard to set time aside for personal study, and it can be difficult to focus on your education. You may have to support and care during the night, as well as the day which is tiring.

All of this can affect your own health too and may impact on attendance and punctuality at college.

We know that everyone has different needs and therefore the support you receive will be tailored to your needs.

Working with you, we will complete a wellbeing assessment to help you to achieve at college. We can consider:

· timetable changes

· recordings of missed lessons

· access to remote learning as and when necessary

· extended deadlines

We may communicate this support with your parent/guardian to ensure you receive a holistic package of support.

Additionally, you will be able to access:

· Wellbeing support at the College

· Additional Learning Support

· Careers Advice

· financial advice

We can also help you to:

· apply for a Young Adult Carer Passport

· complete a Young Adult Carer’s assessment

For more information email us at: yacservice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

External Support

Depending on your age and whether you live in the City or County will determine how you can access support and what you may be eligible for from the Local Authority or from the services in your locality. Visit the links below for further information.

· If you are under 18 and live in the City: https://www.leicester.gov.uk/adult-social-care/support-young-carers

· If you are under 18 and live in the County: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/social-care-and-supporting-families/help-for-young-carers/get-help-if-youre-a-young-carer

· If you are 18+ and live in the City: https://leicestercarers.org.uk/

· If you are 18+ and live in the County: https://www.supportforcarers.org/

Help and advice for all carers: https://www.carersuk.org/