A student at Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne who was invited to tea by the Prime Minister’s wife told her about his personal experience of being a young carer.
Young carers are people aged 25 or younger who are studying or in work while caring for someone whose illness, disability or a mental health problem means they cannot cope without support. Cory, who is 17, and a student at Kingsbury Green Academy, cares for his mum and is supported by the school and by the Young Carers Development Trust (YCDT) charity.
Through the YCDT, Akshata Murthy, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, invited young carers to 10 Downing Street to hear more about their experiences and the difference support makes to them. Cory was one of the guests on the invitation list, and said Ms Murthy was very interested in learning more from those who are juggling jobs or learning with caring. She described the young people as inspirational role models.
Cory explained that his responsibilities as a carer had meant he was not able to perform as well as he hoped in maths during the school year.
“I was struggling in maths,” said Cory, “and the Young Carers Development Trust supported me by providing a tutor, which meant I ended up with a maths GCSE three grades higher than what I was predicted!”
Catherine Young, who is careers leader at Kingsbury Green Academy, explained, “We have a number of Young Carers at Kingsbury Green Academy and they all demonstrate incredible resilience, commitment and dedication to their family and their studies. YCDT support Young Carers and help them to minimise the impact to their own health and wellbeing whilst carrying out their responsibilities.
“Cory has told us his biggest concern is that Young Carers are out there but they don’t know support is available so they don’t tell someone that can help. Quite often students may not even realise that they are performing the role of a carer.
“Making students aware that if they think they are a Young Carer, they can talk to someone at Kingsbury Green Academy and get advice and support to help them look after their own wellbeing and reach their potential while caring for a family member or friend.”