AN ALTERNATIVE education provider is being praised for the work it is doing to support young carers – children and teenagers who often shoulder adult responsibilities behind closed doors.

SAS Mentoring, which operates sites in Salisbury and Trowbridge, has achieved the nationally recognised Young Carers in Schools Award after introducing new support systems aimed at helping vulnerable learners feel understood and included.

The award, run by The Children’s Society and Carers Trust, recognises schools and education providers that go the extra mile to identify and support young carers; many of whom juggle schoolwork with caring for parents, siblings or relatives at home.

At SAS Mentoring’s Salisbury site, staff have been working to make sure young carers no longer feel invisible.

New noticeboards, dedicated support policies and tailored PSHE lessons have been introduced, while learners have also received specialist workshops delivered with support from Wiltshire Council.

One young carer said the changes had made a huge difference.

“Being a young carer used to feel lonely, like no one else got it,” the said. “Now I know there are others like me and staff who truly listen and care. It makes me feel supported and like I belong.”

The work has been led by senior leadership team young carers lead Gary Jenkins and young carers operational lead Stacey Gibbs, who focused on identifying struggling students earlier and ensuring ongoing support was available.

Managing director of SAS Mentoring Nikita Boydell said: “Gaining the Young Carers Award fills me with pride and emotion. It represents not just a recognition, but a promise to our young carers that they are seen and supported.

“My heartfelt thanks go to Gary and Stacey for their tireless efforts, to our staff and families for their ongoing care, and to Wiltshire Council for the invaluable support that has helped shape and strengthen our journey.”

Wiltshire Council said the award highlights the importance of recognising the pressures many young carers quietly face every day while trying to keep up with education and teenage life.