Swindon Academy Young Carers

Swindon Academy Young Carers meet on alternate Tuesdays in term time, our Beech Avenue session runs from 3.30 - 5.00pm and our Alton Close session runs from 3.00 - 4.30pm.  Places are offered to Year 3 pupils and above. 

The group are managed by our Academy Counsellor, Jenny Butcher and supported by members of staff who are trained to support the students.  We also feel it’s important to provide a healthy snack.  Many Young Carers find it hard to spend time with friends and go out and do things with them, so, we create some space and time to relax, we went Bowling at Christmas time and we have recently teamed up with Healthy Schools to help Academy Young Carers relax by going to local Leisure Centres. 

We also know that it can be very hard for Young Carers to keep up with school work, so if we can see this is the case, we can help.  Swindon Academy Teaching Staff are very supportive and can often do a lot to help by allowing extra time for homework of giving Academy Young Carers extra support if they fall behind. 

Some young people look after one or both of their parents, brother or sister or other close relatives.  Children and young people who help look after someone with an illness or disabilities are Young Carers.  Helping can in the form of emotional and personal support as well as practical things like housework and shopping. We know our Young Carers are proud of the caring they do and our aim is for the group to offer a break between school and home, a chance to relax a little. 

Students are beginning to share their experiences with each other and feel less isolated in school. If your child is helping to care for someone at home or in their close family then please get in touch, we can help to support them in school. 

We work closely to support the work of the key organisation for Carers in Swindon ‘Swindon Young Carers’ and can make referrals to them when we meet a Young Carer who’s family need more support.  We encourage you to make contact, in confidence, so that we are able to help.    

Contact:  Jenny Butcher Academy Counsellor

If you wish to view the Swindon Carers website please click on the following link http://www.swindoncarers.org.uk/youngcarers/index.htm