Supporting Young Carers Through School Transitions: A Helping Hand

26th Jul 2024
Transition event in schools

Transitioning to secondary school is a daunting time for any child, but for young carers, there can be more challenges. At MYTIME, we understand the unique pressures these young individuals face, which is why our Level Up Programme is dedicated to making this critical transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

 

 

The Importance of Transition Events

 

Young carers often bear responsibilities at home that their peers may not. This can make the prospect of moving to a new, larger school filled with unfamiliar faces and routines even more intimidating. Our Transition Events are specifically designed to address these concerns, providing the necessary support and creating a sense of community for young carers in their new schools.

 

 

What Happens at a Transition Event?

 

During these events, young carers have the opportunity to meet other carers from their new school, as well as the Young Carers Coordinator (YCC). They receive crucial information about the school, the available support groups, and how to navigate their new environment. This helps them build a supportive peer network and feel more at ease with the transition.

 

Our events are not just informative but also interactive and fun. We start with ice-breaker activities to help young carers relax and get to know each other. The YCC and older young carers introduce the school and answer any questions the Year 6s might have. Activities such as the YC Passport exercise ensure that every young carer has a clear idea of where to go for help and support.

 

transition to secondary school

 

The Numbers Speak for Themselves: Real Impact, Real Stories

 

In our recent Transition Events, held across several schools including The Cornerstone Academy and Avonbourne Academy, we saw a remarkable shift in attitudes. Initially, 76% of participants felt worried, and only 20% felt happy. By the end, 68% felt happy, with the remaining still adjusting but far less anxious.

 

The feedback from our events has been overwhelmingly positive. Before the events, a significant number of attendees reported feeling worried and stressed about the upcoming move. However, by the end of the session, the majority expressed increased confidence and excitement about their new school.

 

One young carer shared, “At first, I was anxious because it is a big school with lots more people, but now I feel more confident and excited to meet new friends and see new teachers.” Another noted, “I was worried about making new friends, but now I know where to go for help and feel more at ease.”

 

 

Looking Ahead

 

For the coming years, we plan to enhance our outreach by informing schools earlier and tailoring our invitations based on feeder school data. We aim to make our activities even more interactive and engaging, ensuring every young carer feels supported and valued.

 

 

We are incredibly grateful to all our supporters and partners who make these events possible. Together, we are creating a supportive community that helps young carers thrive both at home and in their new schools. 

 

You can learn more about the Level Up Programme and how you can get involved. Let's continue to make a meaningful impact together!