Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth Honoured with Investors in Carers Bronze Level Award

Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to and support for young carers attending the school. The institution has achieved the prestigious Investors in Carers Bronze Level award, a commendation delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authorities and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative, initially designed to enhance carer awareness within health facilities such as GP practices and hospitals, now extends its reach to organisations dedicated to identifying and supporting carers of all ages. Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth demonstrated its commitment by submitting evidence in Welsh and successfully meeting the criteria across six themes: Carer Lead, Staff Training, Identification, Information and Support for Carers, and Evaluation.

This award underscores the collaborative efforts between schools, local authorities, and the NHS to support carers within the community. Several secondary schools in the region have also participated in this initiative, with many receiving similar accolades.

Rhian Adams, Deputy Head Teacher of Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth, expressed the importance of this recognition, stating:

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner, or friend who is ill, frail, disabled, or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases, becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.”

Gareth Morgans, Director of Education & Children’s Services, praised the school’s achievement, saying:

We are incredibly proud of Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth for attaining the Investors in Carers Bronze Level award. This recognition reflects the school’s dedication to supporting young carers and ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive both academically and personally.”

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for valuable advice for carers, please visit: Carers information – Hywel Dda University Health Board.