Learning through Caring: Children's University credits for learning through caring responsibilities

In acknowledgment of the barriers that many young carers face to accessing Children’s University (CU) activities, Sheffield Children’s University and SYC have developed a ‘Learning Through Caring’ programme. This enables young carers to receive 1 CU credit per week in recognition of learning and skills development that takes place through their caring responsibilities. This requires termly review discussion with a member of school staff, so young carers can reflect on the valuable life skills they have developed through their responsibilities at home; realise how transferable these skills are for college, university, employment and later life; and receive CU credits and awards for their efforts. Click here for full details.

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Amplify Graphic Novels: Lung Theatre

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Amplify:

  • Speak to Me (Made by Dermot Daly, Tessie Orange-Turner and Elorm)

  • On the Inside (Made by Gitika Buttoo, Naureen Hafeez, Naila, Hussain, K.A & Darim)

Two graphic novels co-created with young carers to creatively, safely and meaningfully reflect on their own experiences and advocate for the rights of Black and South Asian young carers.

Parental Substance Use: Supporting School Aged Children (BASW Practice Guide, July 2022)

Children living with parents who use substances are a group of children who are overlooked in legislation, policy and practice. This guide draws on research that puts children’s voices front and centre. Findings from safeguarding practice reviews consistently show clear system failures and a lack of inter-agency communication where parental substance use is identified as the primary factor in the significant injury or death of a child. Through attention to the child’s narrative, this guide will support social workers in their assessment of risk and the protective factors needed by children to buffer against the negative impact of parental substance use.

Changes to the school census from Spring 2023

Changes to the school census: From Spring 2023, there is going to be a new Young Carer indicator on the schools’ census return for all schools (not nurseries). This indicator will record whether the pupil has been identified as a young carer and by whom. For more information, watch a webinar about this here.

Other useful resources:

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Sibs (Something Interesting for Brothers and Sisters)

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Student led volunteer project, offering free fun days out for children aged 8 to 12 years old who have a brother or sister with a disability. Activities run monthly on Saturdays (during university term-time) giving children a break and the chance to meet others in similar situations. Further details are on this leaflet. An application form can be downloaded here.

#WeCareToo Animations (experiences of young carers aged 8-15)

Young carers aged 8-15 from across Newcastle have created four x 1 minute animated films to help get greater recognition of young carers and more young carers being identified.

All of the young carers involved in developing the animations receive support from Newcastle Carers. 

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Carers Inspiration Project

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A collection of inspiring stories from carers who successfully applied to further/higher education and were successful despite the challenges and adversity caring can bring.

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Financial support while studying at college

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Young carers may be eligible for some financial support while studying at college, depending on their household income.

  • Sheffield College offer the 16-19 discretionary support fund - more details including eligibility criteria can be found here. 

  • Longley Park offer the discretionary bursary if household income is below a certain level - more details here.

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Young Minds

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Mental health support for you or for young people in your care. Filter content based on whether you're a young person, parent or professional working with young people, to get where you need to go as quickly as possible.

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Sheffield Suicide Support

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This site is for anyone who’s having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or who’s worried about someone else. You can use it to search for local and national help, support and information, as well as specific support around bereavement (and there are also learning and training resources).

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Healthier Together: South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

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Website providing health advice for parents, young people and pregnant women, and clinical resources to support healthcare professionals. Includes a section on young people’s mental health. The site was peer reviewed by some of the cared-for parents in SYC.

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Winston's Wish

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Winston’s Wish provides emotional and practical bereavement support to children and young people up to the age of 25, their families and those who care for them:

  • Freephone Helpline team for immediate advice, guidance and support from trained bereavement professionals

  • Information and resources to support a bereaved child or young person on their website

  • Expert advice for those bereaved by suicide, homicide and serious illness and supporting bereaved children with SEND.

  • Training for professionals, resources for schools and specialist publications.