We’re proud to share that The Rendezvous has taken important steps to better identify and support hidden young carers. These are young people who quietly take on caring responsibilities at home – often without recognition or support. As a result, they struggle with their own mental health, academic achievement, and the ability to participate in community activities.

Thanks to funding from Friends of the Yeatman Hospital, we partnered with MyTime Young Carers to deliver staff training, review and update our policies, and embed new systems for identifying young carers at the first point of contact.

As a result of this work, we are pleased to have been awarded the Young Carer Aware kitemark by MyTime—recognising our commitment to young carers as part of a long-term effort to build a Young Carer Friendly Community.

We know this is just the start but with staff and volunteers now trained and confident in identifying young carers and Holly Kretz appointed as our Young Carers Champion we are pleased to be able to continuing this work to support these incredible young people.

Did you know*:

• Recent research indicates that 10–13% of pupils nationally have caring responsibilities 
• 38% of young carers report mental health issues
• 32% are on the SEND register
• 27% are persistently absent from school
• 44% receive Free School Meals, and 53% qualify for Pupil Premium

Data from Carers Trust (2023) and MyTimeYoungCarers.