'Caring' Mansfield academy recognised for supporting young carers

Queen Elizabeth’s Academy has received the Bronze Young Carers in School Award from Nottinghamshire Carers Association for its proactive role to help those in need.

The Chesterfield Road South academy currently has a number of students who support family members as their carers – and the award recognises and acknowledges its commitment to supporting children who have taken on this role.

This has been especially important during the past year and in periods of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tom Millar, deputy safeguarding lead and mental health lead at Queen Elizabeth’s, has been at the forefront of supporting young carers and their families.

He said: “We recognise the hard work of a number of our students who, alongside their studies, are needed to provide care for various family members.

"My role has been to provide advice and guidance to these children, together with regular welfare calls to them and their families.

"As the link between Nottinghamshire Carers Association, we have also ensured our young carers knew of planned activities by the association and Nottinghamshire County Council.

"In line with our duty of care to these students, all young carers and families also had access to my contact details in case of an urgent issue too.

"We are pleased that the work done with these young carers has been recognised, and the academy will continue our work to support them.”

Queen Elizabeth’s is now recognised as a ‘Carer Friendly School’.