young carers

At Leigh Academy Bexley, we recognise that some of our students take on additional responsibilities at home. We are committed to ensuring that these students are identified and supported so they can thrive both personally and academically.

What is a Young Carer?

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps look after a family member or close friend who has a:

  • Disability
  • Long-term illness
  • Mental health condition
  • Substance misuse issue

These responsibilities may include household tasks, caring for siblings, or providing emotional support. While these experiences often build great resilience, we understand they can also impact a student’s wellbeing, learning, and participation in academy life.

How We Support Our Young Carers

We provide a range of support measures to ensure our young carers feel seen and supported:

  • Weekly Drop-in Sessions: Held every week (starting from Module 3) to provide a safe space for students to talk and connect.
  • External Referrals: We signpost and refer students to Imago Young Carers and other local support services.
  • Student Voice: We provide regular opportunities for students to share their views and help shape the support services we offer.

Identify a Young Carer

If you believe your child may be a young carer, we encourage you to let us know by completing a short, confidential Google Form. Based on your responses, we may be able to make a referral to Imago Young Carers Services, ensuring your child receives the right support at the right time.

Please be assured that all information is handled sensitively and confidentially, and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

Contact Information

Our Young Carers Lead is Ms Hull, who coordinates all support for our young carers.