Steve Barclay MP is calling for action to support young carers still in school, and additional measures to help them to pursue their aspirations for further studies and post-16 employment.

Following a meeting with Tye Richardson, a young carer and champion for the Children’s Society Include project and Tracy Hyland of Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire, a young carers’ support network, Steve tabled a parliamentary question calling for ministers to outline measures aimed at helping young carers to improve their school attendance and academic performance.

Steve met Tye, 13, who cares for his seven year old brother who has autism to discuss the challenges facing young carers struggling to balance school work and their responsibilities at home.

Mr. Barclay said: “Young carers like Tye play a vital role in our local community and have a big job providing care for loved ones as well as keeping up with their schooling. It is greatly to Tye’s credit that he has the honour of championing the Children Society’s Include project at such a young age and is helping put the issues that matter to Fenland on the map”.

“It is essential that we give these selfless young people the help they need to attend school and fulfil their academic potential. This includes addressing discrepancies in the approach of schools in the neighbouring districts of Huntingdon and Fenland.

“Initiatives such as Crossroads are a great way of supporting young carers and offering them opportunities to relax, build confidence and learn valuable skills as well as offering them a chance to talk openly about their concerns.”

Steve is writing to the Head Teachers of local secondary schools asking them to assist young people with care responsibilities in the run up to exam season and raise awareness of the support mechanisms available.

There are an estimated 300 young people aged between 8-18 caring for family members in North East Cambridgeshire.

The Crossroads Care initiative offers afterschool catch-up groups, skills training and activity trips where young carers can socialize and unwind.

For more information visit www.cambsyoungcarers.org.uk