School project "young caregivers" starts nationwide

famPLUS GmbH and KKH are looking for schools to raise awareness about the topic of care

Munich, June 9, 2022

When someone in a family becomes in need of care or seriously ill, often children or adolescents are already responsible for care. In Germany, this accounts for about 480,000, or roughly two per school class. These so-called Young Carers take on a lot of responsibility and face significant burdens. "They can no longer be children without limitations. Even if they don't show it outwardly, they still suffer from the double burden of caregiving responsibilities and school duties," explains Friederike Beister, a care expert at the KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse.

To sensitize teachers and classes to the special situation of young caregivers, famPLUS, together with the KKH, has initiated and conceived an innovative school project. "Affected children and the school environment should learn how to recognize a caregiving situation and what relief options are available," says famPLUS care consultant Nadjila Bendig-Behrens. In at least three school hours per class, not only theoretical knowledge is imparted, but the burden is also made tangible with the help of a practical interactive care course.