Young Carers
The University is very pleased to be working with Winchester Young Carers Project (WYCP) to provide activities which engage and inform the young people about educational opportunities and options
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who help to look after a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill or has a substance misuse problem. The last census indicated that there are around 175,000 young carers in the UK. Their educational progress may be disrupted through poor attendance, under-achievement or bullying.
We know that a number of our own undergraduates have experience of being young carers, and that they are keen to encourage the young people to focus on their own needs and aspirations for the future.
In November 2010 two Student Ambassadors and a member of staff visited a group of 16-17 year old young carers at the Winchester Young Carers Project base to talk about higher education. This was followed up in December by a visit of the young carers to the University, and in January and February 2011 ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ challenges took place where undergraduates and young carers competed to produce the healthiest, tastiest dishes on a budget of £5.
In April 2012, the University of Winchester will be inviting members of Winchester Young Carers Project back onto campus for a weekend residential called 'Spotlight on uni'. The young carers will be taking part in creative workshops and will be finding out more about the benefits of studying at higher education. Student Ambassadors, including those who come from a young carer background will be working with the participants and discussing their experiences of being a university student. Families and staff at Winchester Young Carers Project will be invited to celebrate the achievements of the participants on the Sunday.
The University is now represented on the Management Committee of WYCP and through longer-term partnership working we aim to develop a planned programme of activities.