Young carers

What are young carers?

Family circumstances mean that from an early age some children and young people provide regular care and support to another family member.

Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

Young carers often do more than other children would do and as a result miss out on the chance to enjoy a normal childhood.

What do carers do?

Young carers may be involved in providing nursing and personal care to a family member. This may involve:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Shopping
• Personal care

They may be responsible for looking after their siblings to help the live normal lives.

A young carer may find themselves translating for their loved one if English is not their first language.

Finding help

There are lots of people and organisations that offer support and advice. Try to be open about being a young carer with these organisations, as hiding it may prevent you from getting the help you may need.

• A teacher or staff member at your school
• Your school nurse
• Your local doctor or GP
• A family Social Worker
• Make yourself known to a clinician when you attend an appointment with the person you care for
• Barnardo’s
• Childline (freephone 0800 1111)
• Your local carers support centre (see below)

Support near you