Young Adult Carer Support — Solihull Sixth Form College

Young Adult Carer Support

Young Adult Carers at Solihull Sixth Form College have been receiving the support of Sutton Coldfield YMCA this term.

Alan Burrows from Sutton Coldfield YMCA came into College recently to offer support to those learners who fulfil caring responsibilities at home. Sutton Coldfield YMCA can offer a wide range of support to these young adult carers up the age of 25 and can be enormously helpful when planning for the transition beyond college life. The College also work closely with Solihull Carers Trust, who offer support to those young adult carers that live in the Solihull area.

Amy Flower is an Academic Coach at the College and the dedicated support worker for Young Adult Carers. She explained:

“A Young Adult Carer is someone aged 16 – 25 who helps support someone in their family, or household who is disabled, mentally or physically ill, has a long-term serious illness or has a substance misuse problem. 1 in 5 college learners may be a young adult carer and these young people face enormous challenges because of the responsibilities that are placed on them. At Solihull Sixth Form College, we place huge importance on supporting these young people as much as possible so that they can cope with what is being asked of them whilst still being able to reach their potential in their College studies.”

The support offered to these learners at the College includes one-to-one support, help with student finance, drop-in and group support sessions and specialist sessions from external young adult carer charities.

9 November 2022