Young carers
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps to look after a relative who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, long-term condition or drug or alcohol problem.
The majority of young carers look after one of their parents, grandparents, brother or sister. They do jobs in and around the home, such as cooking, cleaning, or helping someone to get dressed and move around.
Young carers may need to help a relative to deal with their feelings by talking to them, listening and trying to understand their problems.
The difference between young carers and other young people who help in the home is that young carers are often responsible for someone else in their family in a way that most other young people aren’t.
Take a look at our section for young people, which is full of useful information and advice.
Tagged under: Young people
Page last updated on July 13th, 2012
