Carers and young carers

Adult carers

See Caring for someone

Young carers

If you are a young carer aged five to 19, your own health and development may be affected because of your caring responsibilities at home.

You may not get the chance to go out with your friends or do your homework. Perhaps you skip school and you might worry a lot about your home situation. Sometimes it gets too much.

Am I a young carer?

Caring may include helping to feed, bathe, clothe or giving medication to someone in your family.

If you are unsure, here is a quiz to help you work out if you classify as a young carer.

Hidden carers

Sometimes young carers are what we call “hidden” this is often because young people are worried if adults/school find out what is going on they may get in trouble or feel their family could be split up.

Young people often report that they feel that no one can help or they have been let down by services in the past.

Support is here for young carers though, if you are one or know one. It is important to know you are not alone, check out the available support and helpful links below. 

As a young carer you have the same rights as other carers. If you are, or someone you know is, a young carer looking after a family member who has a physical illness or disability, mental health difficulties, or difficulty with drugs or alcohol, help is available.

We can help with:

  • support in identifying and using services that can assist you
  • one-to-one support, advice and guidance, including home visits
  • free activities and events to give you a break from your caring role, and a chance to meet other young carers. These include regular term-time groups and activities during school holidays
  • specialist training workshops on health, wellbeing and caring.

People you can contact for help

Young carers can access a wide range of youth activities in the borough. 

Carer's allowance

Did you know that if you are over 16, not in full-time education and earn less than £139 (after tax and National Insurance deductions you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.

You will have to meet UK residency requirements and care for someone for over 35 hours per week.

Find out about the carer's allowance on the GOV.UK website.

Before applying for Carer's Allowance it's a good idea to check with the household and person you ar caring for as this may effect any benefit payments they recieve. 

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