A young carer is a child or young person who provides regular and on-going care and emotional support to a family member with physical or mental health problems, has a disability, or misuses drugs or alcohol. This does not mean the everyday and occasional help around the home that many young people are often expected to give within families.

The key feature of being a 'young carer' is that the caring responsibilities continues over time and can make a young carer vulnerable, when the level of care and their responsibility to the person they look after, becomes excessive or inappropriate and risks impacting on emotional or physical wellbeing, educational achievement and life chances.

Sometimes, being a young carer can get too much to deal with on your own or you may be stressed by too much responsibility. Even if you don’t feel like you need help for a problem, it is always good to have the support of others who understand your situation, we can provide you with:

1:1 support
Information and advice on things and advice on things like how to get help for the person you care for or help with finding out about higher or further education
Group work, and activities including social groups
Advocacy - we can support you in making your voice heard

How do i access this? Please contact our Young Carers Team directly on 01302 736 099.

Open All Year