A young carer is someone who is under the age of 18 who helps look after someone in their family who has a physical and/or mental illness, has a physical and/or mental disability or misuses substances, such as drugs or alcohol.
There are currently around 800,000 Young Carers in the UK, some as young as 5, but many are hidden because they do not realise they are a young carer, or because of fears of stigma/external involvement.
As a young carer you might:
- Carry out practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
- Provide physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
- Offer emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed.
- Provide personal care, such as helping someone dress.
- Manage the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
- Help to give medicine.
- Help someone communicate.
- Look after brothers and sisters.
Being a young carer can have a big impact on the things that are important to you growing up. It can affect your health, self-confidence and social life. Many young carers also struggle to juggle their education and caring.
In a survey:
- 39% said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role.
- 26% have been bullied at school because of their caring role.
- 1 in 20 miss school because of their caring role.
But young people can learn lots of useful skills by being a young carer.
Watch 13-year-old Jameal as he cares for his mum – he describes the struggles and positives of being a young carer
You can find out more information about the local services available using the links here:
Dorset Young Carers Service [1] – aged 18 and under
CAMHS Dorset – Looking after someone else [2]
Other helpful resources:
Carers Trust [3] helps young carers to cope with their caring role through specialised services across the UK.
These services are delivered by Carers Trust Network Partners, which are independent charities offering young carers the chance to be young people free from their caring responsibilities through trusted activities, clubs, outings, holidays and one-to-one support.
Financial Support for Young Carers [4]
The Mix [5] – How to cope as a young carer