Birchwood Young Carers
A support group for students
who are caring for family members
A young carer is someone who helps care for a relative with a disability, illness, mental health issue, or a drug or alcohol problem. Birchwood Young Carers meet once a week on a Wednesday lunchtime in A3. This is an opportunity for students to chat with a member of staff about any issues they might be having, as well as having some time with peers who have similar caring responsibilities, playing games and chilling out. Any student is welcome to come along and be part of the group – whether they are a young carer or whether they would like to be a Birchwood Young Carer Ambassador and help raise the profile of young carers within school.
Latest news and information
Young Carers go to Vire
On Friday 23rd March, the Vire Zone in Bishop’s Stortford town centre opened its doors to a group of ten students aged between eleven to sixteen from Birchwood High School.
The students, who are all young carers, took part in a range of activities including the Nuclear Launch Escape Room, virtual reality computer games and the Nerf Battle Arena. They all had a wonderful time, demonstrating great team work and resourcefulness. The idea behind the trip was to provide an opportunity for the students to enjoy themselves and bond as a group. Due to their home circumstances young carers may not have the chances to socialise and have fun that other students do. By the end of the hour and a half session, everyone had tried at least two activities, there were big smiles all round and the confidence of the group had visibly increased. Feedback from the students was that…
“everyone at the Vire Zone was really friendly. There was a lovely atmosphere and we felt welcomed as soon as we walked through the door.”
Kate Byers, Community Manager at Birchwood High School thanked Ian Cox, owner of the centre, and his staff for their time and generosity in making the afternoon possible.