Young Carers

A young carer is a child between the age of 5 to 16, or a Young Adult Carer aged 16 to 25 who looks after someone in their family who has a long-term illness, disability, mental ill health or substance misuse problems that impacts on the young person.
This may be taking on responsibilities, emotional and/or practical support that would normally be expected of an adult.
Local authorities must take proactive steps to identify and support young carers in their area. Where it appears to a local authority that a young carer may have needs, they must carry out an assessment. Young carers or their parents can also request an assessment. If you wish for an assessment to be carried out, contact your local Carers’ Centre.
Your Carers’ Centre offers information and advice to young carers, they also offer group sessions and one-to-one support. It can often be beneficial to inform the young carer’s school of their caring role within the family, as often schools can provide support to the child during school hours.