An Essex Partnership University NHS Trust’s (EPUT) education department for young people receiving care for their mental health has received a Bronze award from the Young Carers in Schools programme.
The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools improve outcomes for young carers.
EPUT’s Poplar Adolescent Unit Therapeutic Education Department is the first inpatient mental health service in Essex to achieve the national award, which is accredited by The Carers Trust and The Children’s Society.
The Poplar Adolescent Unit at Rochford Hospital looks after teenagers aged 13 to 18, who all attend classes at the education department while under the care of the Trust. They also remain enrolled at their usual community school.
Young carers are responsible for emotional, practical or physical care for a parent, sibling or another family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue.
Executive headteacher, Simon Turnnidge, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded The Young Carers in School Bronze award and it’s a real honour for us to support the young carers in our centre.
“Most Young Carers don’t realise that they are young carers because it’s just what they do.
“They work extremely hard and often put in many unseen hours in order to provide the necessary care for their family members.”
To help schools support young carers, the programme offers a step-by-step guide for leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff, with practical tools designed to make it as easy as possible for schools.