Recognising when you are a young carer
You might not see yourself as a young carer, but if you regularly support someone because they have a physical or mental illness, addiction or disability, then you are a young carer. This person may be a parent, a sibling or someone else in the family. Many people don’t recognise this role, as they feel they are simply helping out.
Do you… take on responsibilities at home because someone in your family is disabled, has been ill for a long time, experiences mental ill health or misuses drugs or alcohol?
Do you… feel you miss out on doing things after school or at the weekends because you have to help someone at home?
Do you… worry about how your relative is behaving or feeling, and do you worry about leaving them alone?
Do you…worry about what might happen to your family if you talk to someone about any of these things?
If yes, then you might be a young carer.
There is a lot of information and help.
You can get in touch with us or ask someone you trust to give us a call, such as a member of staff at your school. Visit our ‘Register as a young carer’ page to find out more.
We can come and speak to you at home or at school. We would need to speak with a parent, guardian, or another adult who’s responsible for you, if you are nervous about this, then we can discuss it with you first.
Seeing yourself as a young carer is important. It helps you access information and support that can make a real difference.
