Young carers are children and young people under 18 who care for
a sick or disabled relative, including someone who has mental
health or severe drug and alcohol problems.
A young carer may also care for their brother(s) or sister(s),
maybe because one or both parents is no longer around. Even if
another adult is living in the household, the young person may
still be the main carer.
What care do young carers provide?
Young carers provide physical care, washing and other personal
hygiene, giving medication, lifting, cooking, housework, shopping
and budgeting. They may also provide emotional care through support
for depression.
What problems do young carers face?
Young carers can fail to achieve at school through missed time
and may leave school with few or no qualifications. Many young
carers experience emotional problems and can be bullied at school.
Young carers can experience isolation and loneliness. They may be
cautious about asking for help and too ashamed to talk to
professionals about the family's situation. Some young carers
experience health problems such as lifting-related injuries,
tiredness and stress.
How many young carers are there in the
UK?
The 2001 census estimated that there are 175,000 young carers
aged under 18 in the UK. Many professionals believe this there are
actually many more young carers.
What is the average age of young
carers?
Research by Loughborough University found that the average age
of young carers is 12. However, they can be as young as five.
How can I recognise a young carer who may
need support?
A young carer may:
- act much older than their age
- often be late for school
- under- or over-achieve at school
- suffer depression or tiredness
- often be absent from school
- not take part in extra activities outside school hours
- be reluctant to talk about home life
- have a parent who often misses appointments
- need to regularly use a telephone during school hours
- need to regularly leave school grounds during breaks
How should I respond to a young carer
asking for help?
Listen carefully and believe the child's experience. It is
important to acknowledge the young persons contributions and give
appropriate support, information and choices. Above all, you should
respect the individual's wishes and need for privacy and
confidentiality.
Who can young carers turn to for
help?
If you are a young carer in need of help and support you should
turn to someone you trust such as family member or friend, your
teacher or doctor. Alternatively, the young carers service (details
below) can provide support, many children’s services departments
can also provide help and support to young carers.
I am the parent of a young carer, where can
I turn for help?
You should contact your GP or local children’s services
department or the young carers service (details below)
The Young Carers Service
The Young Carer’s Service at Off The Record provide a range of
services to young carers, including days out, counselling and 1:1
support, a regular newsletter and attendance at the annual Young
Carers Camp.
You contact this service using the details below;
Young Carers Service
Off The Record
Freepost
NAT 3295
Bristol
BS31 2FA
Young people’s FREEPHONE: 0800 3895551
Office: 01179865604
Mobile: 07788146264
Email: youngcarers@offtherecord-banes.co.uk
