Young Carers

Supporting Young Carers at The Gryphon School

At The Gryphon School, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, understood and valued. We are therefore delighted to be working in partnership with MYTIME Young Carers, a Dorset-based charity dedicated to supporting and celebrating young carers across the county.

Who is a Young Carer?

A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who helps care for a family member who may need extra support. This could be a parent, sibling or another close family member, and in some cases, a young carer may be supporting more than one person.

A young person may have caring responsibilities because a family member has:

• A long-term illness
• A disability
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• A mental health condition
• Difficulties related to alcohol or drug misuse

Many young carers quietly take on additional responsibilities at home while balancing school, friendships and other activities. While caring can develop valuable life skills such as empathy, resilience and responsibility, it can also be challenging. That’s why recognising and supporting young carers is so important.

About MYTIME Young Carers

MYTIME Young Carers works with over 200 schools across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, providing a wide range of opportunities, support and experiences for young carers.

Their programmes are designed with young carers at the heart of everything they do, recognising that every family’s circumstances and every young person’s needs are unique.

Through MYTIME, young carers can access:

• Online youth groups where they can connect with other young carers
• Activity days and special events
• School holiday programmes
• Fun opportunities through the Making Memories programme
• Experiences that encourage confidence, wellbeing and friendships

I Think My Child May Be a Young Carer – What Should I Do?

If you feel your child may have caring responsibilities at home, we would love to hear from you so that we can ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Step 1: Contact School

Please get in touch with us by contacting the school office or speaking with your child’s tutor or pastoral team.

Step 2: Register with MYTIME Young Carers

If you would like your child to access the fantastic opportunities provided by MYTIME, please complete their online registration form:

MYTIME Programme Registration – https://mytimeyoungcarers.beaconforms.com/form/f310a4d9

Once registered, you will receive regular updates about upcoming activities and opportunities.

Step 3: Enjoy the Opportunities Available

Young carers can take part in MYTIME’s friendly Online Youth Groups, where they can meet other young carers, make new friends and enjoy a variety of engaging activities from home.

They can also attend MYTIME’s popular Making Memories events, many of which take place during school holidays. Activities have previously included:

• Woodland adventures
• Sailing and paddleboarding experiences
• Arts and crafts sessions
• Special celebration events
• The annual Young Carers Festival

These opportunities provide young carers with valuable time to relax, have fun and connect with others who understand their experiences.

We’re Here to Help

If you would like to find out more about the support available through MYTIME Young Carers, please contact: enquiries@mytimeyoungcarers.org

Or speak to us directly at school. Our Young Carer Champion is Miss Burrell: RAB@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

At The Gryphon School, we are proud to recognise the incredible contribution young carers make every day and are committed to helping them thrive both in school and beyond.

Useful links:

Useful Support for Young Carers and Their Families

MYTIME Young Carers

Supports young carers across Dorset with activity days, youth groups, school support, employability programmes and opportunities to connect with other young carers. www.mytimeyoungcarers.org

Dorset Young Carers Service

Provides information, assessments and additional support for young people who have significant caring responsibilities. The service works closely with MYTIME and Help & Care. https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dorset-young-carers-service

Dorset Carer Service (Help & Care)

Offers advice, guidance and wellbeing support for unpaid carers of all ages, including young carers and their families. Families can register and access practical support and signposting. https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/dorset-carer-service

Dorset Youth – Young Carers Advice

A useful hub bringing together information and local organisations that support young carers in Dorset. https://dorsetyouth.com/young-carers-advice