Who are young carers?

Aged between 5 and 18 years, young carers help look after one or more members of their family - usually mum, dad, brother, sister or grandparent. Sometimes they are the only (primary) carer. The young carer may have to deal with a range of situations, such as disability, chronic illness, mental health difficulties or problems with drugs or alcohol misuse. They may be taking on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that an adult would normally do. With the risk of social isolation, bullying, school attendance problems, and physical and mental ill health themselves, young carers can often find life tiring, worrying and lonely.

You're a young carer if you . . .

. . . help care for a family member who has a physical or learning disability, chronic illness, mental health, alcohol or substance mis-use problem or HIV/AIDS . . . are aged between 5 and 18 years

Do you think you're a young carer? Like to chat to someone about it? Call us now - we'll be happy to listen

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