A child or young person who provides support for a family member who is chronically ill, experiencing a mental illness, is affected by alcohol or drug misuse, or has a physical disability, would be classed as a Young Carer.

As well as practical support around the house, young carers offer a lot of emotional support to the person they help care for. This caring role can sometimes have an impact on their school life – for example, affecting attendance and punctuality, homework, ability to fully concentrate and engage in lessons.

There is support available for our students who have a caring role. At Perryfields Academy, Miss Beddington and Miss Mathews are the Young Carers Leads, and can be contacted via the Pastoral Office.

Also, we work closely with organisations that provide support to Young Carers – for example, offering youth clubs and activities, respite and short breaks, training opportunities, counselling, information and advice.

We can refer students to these services. Or if you would like to contact them directly the details are as follows:

Sandwell Young Carers
The Old Vicarage, Bratt Street, West Bromwich, B70 8SB
Tel: 0121 525 8002 / 0121 525 7667
Website: www.sandwellyc.org.uk

Sandwell Advocacy
Sandwell Advocacy, 28 Wood Street, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 9BQ
Tel: 0121 520 8070
Fax: 0121 557 0721
Email: sandwelladvocacy@btconnect.com

Birmingham Young Carers Unite
St. George’s Community Hub, Great Hampton Row, Hockley, Birmingham B19 3JG
Tel: 0121 227 7000
Website: www.spurgeonsyc.org

Dudley Young Carers (Cross roads)
Tel: 01384 886 429
Email: info@sandwellcrossroads.org