If you're under 18 years old and look after another person at home, you may be a young carer.
You might look after someone because theyre:
- disabled
- have a long-term illness
- have problems with drugs or alcohol
- finding it hard to cope with being a parent or carer
We can help the person you care for with:
- personal care, getting up, washing and dressing
- going to day care services or an activity they go to during the day
- use of a home delivery shopping service
- a place to stay for a short time so you can have a break from caring
- alarms, adaptations and equipment in the home
Help for you
As a young carer you might:
- find that you cant go out with your friends
- be confused or angry about the situation at home
- have problems at school or college because of your responsibilities at home
- feel alone and unable to talk to anyone about your situation
- need help with the caring
Your wellbeing is our first concern. We'll involve you in any decisions about the help you need.
We can help you with:
- someone to talk to, both one to one and in groups
- youth clubs for young carers
- a carer's emergency card
- link worker in school
- mentoring and counselling
- free health check-ups
- carer's training in subjects like lifting, medication and food hygiene
- breaks for you from caring
Some services are free, and we can even arrange to pay for transport so that you can use them