ABOUT YOUNG CARERS
Am I a young carer?
A young carer is someone aged 25 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Older young carers are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers.
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What might a young carer do?
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Practical tasks, like cooking, housework and shopping.
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Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
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Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed.
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Personal care, such as helping someone dress.
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Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
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Helping to give medicine.
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Helping someone communicate.
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Looking after brothers and sisters.
Young Carers Video Project
This animated video was created by a group of young carers in Nottingham - it helps to highlight what a young caring role can look like.
Huge thanks to Gino, Alex, Max, Evie and Flo
The Impact of being a young carer
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Young carers are already likely to have significantly lower educational attainment than their peers.
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With the added complications of COVID-19, young carers have missed out on even more school than before and urgent support is needed if they are not to be left behind their peers.
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Caring can also be an isolating experience but having the right support in place can give young carers a better chance of succeeding in all parts of their lives.