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A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who helps to care for a family member, relative or friend with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. Research shows as many as 1 in 5 children and young people are young carers in the UK.
Young carers may help with practical tasks, physical care and emotional support. Responsibilities may include:
Cooking meals
Helping with the shopping
Doing the housework
Managing medicines or money
Giving personal care like helping someone out of bed, or dressing them
Helping their special person move around the house
Looking after siblings
Giving emotional support
Keeping an eye on things generally
Young people with caring responsibilities have all the challenges of being young, with all the responsibilities of being an adult, and they're often left to face these alone. Caring for someone can be isolating and stressful, which can negatively impact a child's education means they also often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play, learn and be young.
Explore the options available for young carers and what help and support is out there:
Young carers | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk) Help for young carers - Social care and support guide - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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