Young Carers / Carers
Welcome to the Heads of Study and Chaplaincy team page especially for young carers.
We look after the academic and holistic wellbeing of students across all our centres, but if you consider yourself a young carer, this page is especially for you.
Being a young carer can be challenging, especially when you are studying or working. We are here to help and support you during your time in College.
We work in partnership with Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre where you can access more support.
The Carers Centre organises Transition Groups, which meet on the last Wednesday of each month at locations across the Wigan borough. They provide an opportunity for you to meet other young adult carers to socialise and learn new skills. You can also take part in activities such as bowling, film nights, yoga, arts, and crafts.
We have created a timetable of activities for you to chill out and talk if you need to, play games, or meet other young carers.
| WHERE | WHEN | HOW OFTEN | TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Teams | Tuesday | Weekly | 4.30pm - 5.00pm | Virtual |
| Leigh | Tuesday | 1st Tuesday of the month | 12.00pm - 12.30pm | In-person |
| Pagefield | Wednesday | 1st Thursday of the month | 12.00pm - 12.30pm | In-person |
| Parsons Walk | Friday | 1st Friday of the month | 12.00pm - 12.30pm | In-person |
| Drop-ins | Across campuses | Weekly | Flexible | In-person |
| NAME | PHONE NUMBER | WHEN | ||
| College Chaplain | John Williams | j.williams@wigan-leigh.ac.uk | 07776456143 | Tuesday - Friday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm |
| Wigan & Leigh Carers Centre | Reception | info@wlcccarers.com | 01942 705959 | Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm |
You can find out more about us here.
FACTS ABOUT YOUNG CARERS
By definition, a young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a family member or friend who has a physical or mental health condition, or misuses drugs or alcohol. They may also look after brothers, sisters or elderly relatives too.
- 800,000 young carers aged 5-17 care for an adult or family member in the UK.
- 27 per cent of young carers aged 11-15 miss school.
YOUNG CARERS ARE OFTEN HIDDEN
Growing up should be about exploring and finding out who you are. But for young carers who have to look after a loved one, it's a little more tricky.
Having to care for someone can often mean missing school or having to let down friends. It can put childhood on the back burner. Many young carers, and the people around them, don't even realise they're carers.
39 per cent of young carers said nobody in their school was even aware of their caring responsibilities.
We are here to help and support you in reaching your potential. Please reach out to the team for support, information or a listening ear.