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.

WHEREWHEN
HOW OFTENTIMEACTIVITY
TeamsTuesdayWeekly4.30pm - 5.00pmVirtual
LeighTuesday1st Tuesday of the month12.00pm - 12.30pmIn-person
PagefieldWednesday1st Thursday of the month12.00pm - 12.30pmIn-person
Parsons WalkFriday1st Friday of the month12.00pm - 12.30pmIn-person
Drop-insAcross campusesWeeklyFlexibleIn-person
NAMEEMAILPHONE NUMBERWHEN
Wigan & Leigh Carers CentreReceptioninfo@wlcccarers.com01942 705959Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm

You can find out more about us here.

John Williams
College Chaplin
Your first point of contact. Contact him on teams or email.

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.