At The Harbour School it is our aim to identify and support all of our young carers. A young carer is a child under the age of 18 who regularly helps to look after a family member or friend who is disabled, ill, has a mental health condition or addiction problem.
Children may engage in:
- Practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)
- Physical care (lifting or helping someone use the stairs)
- Personal care (dressing, washing, helping with toilet needs)
- Managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions)
- Managing medication
- Looking after younger siblings
- Helping someone communicate
The school is committed to meeting the needs of young carers so they can attend and enjoy school in the same way as other students and achieve their potential.
The school has a designated young carers’ lead with responsibility for young carers and their families. Students are made aware of this and how to contact them to access support. The school actively seeks feedback and ideas from all students, including young carers, to shape and improve support.
The Harbour School has an effective referral system and strong partnership in place with relevant external agencies. Where appropriate, information is shared with professionals and other agencies on a need to know basis in order for possible further support to be accessed.
If you, or a family member, needs support or further information please contact Andrea Nesbitt. All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence.
There are also various events that are held in our community. Look out for our website updates to let you know what’s going on.
Young Carers offer – The local offer describes the services and support available for young carers and their families in Portsmouth.
www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/health-and-care/adult-social-care/support-for-carers/young-carers/
Young Carers Groups
There are young carers groups in secondary schools, across the city. In addition, there are other community based support groups:
- For 8-14 year olds: there is a group every Saturday morning at the John Pounds Centre in Portsea
- For 8-18 year olds: there is a group every Wednesday evening at the Paulsgrove Family Hub (Cheltenham Road, Paulsgrove PO6 3PL)
- For 14-18 year olds: there is a group every Monday evening at the Carers Centre (117 Orchard Road, Southsea PO4 0AD)
- For 18-25 year olds: there is a group every Thursday evening at the Carers Centre (117 Orchard Road, Southsea PO4 0AD)
There are other activities organised for young people, aged 5 to 18 years old, during school holidays.
Young Carers Team – provides support for young carers across Portsmouth.
Young Carers Team
Somerstown Family Hub
Omega Street
Southsea
PO5 4LP
Phone: 023 9282 1816