Young Carers

Young carers are children and young people aged 18 and under, who provide or intend to provide care for another individual. The care required may be due to a disability, long-term illness, mental ill-health or drug or alcohol dependency. It also includes support to siblings if the parent is not able to do the parenting role without assistance.

Caring can take many forms and include physical. practical and emotional support; such as cooking, cleaning, giving medicine, assistance with dressing and washing, paying bills or keeping the cared-for company.

Caring for a family member can be very rewarding, but also hard work. Young carers often have to look after themselves too and can find it difficult to keep up with schoolwork, go out with friends and stay healthy.