All Age Carers Identity Passport launching
Message from Young Carers. Voluntary Norfolk's Young Carers Matter service and Carers Voice Norfolk & Waveney:
We are writing to let you know about a new initiative launching on 2 February to increase identification and support for Young Carers across Norfolk.
The All Age Carers Identity Passport, co-produced by Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney, will now include additional icons and information for Young Carers. Voluntary Norfolk's Young Carers Matter service, in partnership with Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney and Norfolk County Council, has worked with Young Carers to tailor the information for them. The Carers Identity Passport has been co-produced for all ages and Young Carers themselves have co-designed the features to help teachers and other professionals better understand the additional pressures some pupils face due to caring responsibilities at home.
Young Carers may support a parent or sibling with illness, disability, mental health needs or substance misuse. While many manage this with resilience, their caring role can affect attendance, concentration, homework and emotional wellbeing.
The Carers Identity Passport provides a discreet and consistent way for Young Carers to explain their situation. It may indicate that the young person could benefit from:
- Being allowed to keep their phone with them during the school day
- Flexibility with homework deadlines
- Additional pastoral support or understanding at times of increased pressure
The card is not about lowering expectations or singling young people out. Instead, it acts as a prompt for understanding and a starting point for supportive conversations, reducing the need for Young Carers to repeatedly explain their circumstances.
We would encourage schools to recognise the Carers Identity Passport and consider how reasonable adjustments can be made to support pupils who present it.
If you would like more information about the Carers Identity Passport, please contact Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney by emailing [email protected].
If you would like more information about supporting Young Carers in your setting, please contact the Young Carers Matter team at Voluntary Norfolk.
Thank you for helping ensure Young Carers feel understood, supported and able to thrive in education.
