Young Carer services are provided by Imago Young Carers, who are commissioned by Kent County Council to deliver this support.

At Langafel we run a termly after-school Young Carers’ Club, where children can meet other young carers, acknowledge and talk about their experiences (if they want to) and take part in activities such as crafting, making slime or playdoh, playing games, and playing outdoors. The children are offered light refreshments and will sometimes make simple foods such as crispy cakes. Every year we plan a Forest School session run by Mrs Bonner and on occasions we are able to take a trip out.

Being a young carer can be both positive and challenging for children. There is no doubt that caring can have a significant physical and emotional impact. However, we also focus strongly on the positives, such as the valuable skills children develop and the emotional intelligence they gain.

Young Carer Definition
Officially, a young carer is defined as someone aged between 5 and 18 who supports a family member with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, or substance misuse problem. Young carers may take on a range of responsibilities, including:

• Practical tasks such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, and managing medicines or money
• Physical care, for example, helping someone out of bed or getting dressed
• Looking after brothers and sisters
• Providing emotional support, including comfort and reassurance

We recognise that some parents may have concerns or mixed feelings about identifying their child or children as a young carer. You may feel that your child is too young to have a caring role, and this may be true. However, they may still be affected by a family member’s needs or disabilities, which could mean they are considered a young carer.  There are many positive aspects to recognising this role and as a school we now have a responsibility to identify young carers as part of the school census.  Registering your child as a young carer with Imago gives your child the opportunity to join in free activities during the school holiday and they are also entitled to a free bus pass when they go to secondary school.

Upcoming Young Carers' Club dates for 2026
- Wednesday 11th March – this is also Young Carers' Action Day
- Wednesday 6th May
- Wednesday 24th June

Below you will find a link to the Imago website plus Imago's parent resource, which provides further information about the role of a young carer.

www.imago.community/young-carers-services/young-carers-services

Young Carer Grant
This grant can be used for activities that the young carer might otherwise miss out on, thereby helping them to have enjoyable childhood experiences.

Examples of grants awarded include school residential trips, gym / leisure centre memberships, dance or drama classes, after-school activities and sports club subscriptions and kit. Please get in touch if this is something that may be of interest to you and your child/ren. This is not a grant I've applied for yet, although I have spoken to the coordinator.

If you feel that your child/ren may be a young carer, or if you would simply like to talk things through, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or contact Imago themselves, cholmes@langafel.kent.sch.uk.