Young Carers

What is a young carer?

Being a young carer can mean looking after someone with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. It can also mean helping them by looking after other members of the family when they can’t.

An estimated one million young people under 17 across the UK look after a family member with a disability, illness, or mental health problem.

What does a young carer do?

A young carer often helps with tasks around the home, such as cooking, cleaning, or helping someone get dressed and move around. Caring responsibilities can vary and may include:

• physical care
• household tasks
• emotional support
• personal care
• assisting with budgeting or shopping
• helping give medication or collecting prescriptions
• looking after siblings.

Young carers may balance these responsibilities with school, college or university, or with work. Being a young carer can, therefore, have a significant impact on different areas of your life.

In this video, Human Givens Therapist Keri Hartwright explains how therapy can help young people to navigate caring responsibilities and balance being a young carer with leading a happy and fulfilling life. 

Impacts of caring

Some people start caring at a very young age. When this is the case, the young person may not realise they are a carer, particularly if it is something they have always known. On the other hand, some young people become carers overnight – for instance, if a relative has a sudden change in their health.

For some young people, aspects of caring can feel positive, such as feeling close to the person they care for or developing new skills. But caring for someone else can also bring significant pressures, particularly when these responsibilities affect a young person's own needs, education or wellbeing.

Stress

The pressures of caring can sometimes be difficult to manage, and some young carers may find it difficult to ask for help. In addition to the usual pressures of school and growing up, young carers may also have worries about money, the future and their families.

Education

Caring responsibilities can affect a young person's education, including the time they have to complete work or their ability to concentrate in class. A school may not be aware of a young person's caring role.

Work and finance

Some young carers may have financial worries, including concerns about meeting everyday costs or having money to socialise with friends. Being a young carer can mean that you don’t have enough time or energy to work, whether full-time after you’ve left school or part-time while still in education.

Social

Caring responsibilities can leave young carers with less time to socialise or take part in activities. Some young carers may feel isolated or have limited opportunities to meet other young people with caring responsibilities.

Counselling for young carers

If you start to feel that the impacts of being a young carer are affecting your mental or physical health, it’s important to reach out and seek help. Caring for someone can feel isolating, whatever your age. But while you may sometimes feel this way, you’re not alone. Other people care about your safety and wellbeing, and you have many options if you need to talk.

Counselling may be an option. Speaking to a qualified counsellor can give you space to explore how your caring responsibilities are affecting you. Talking to a professional can also give you the opportunity to discuss your thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

If you are ready to talk but feel unsure of the next steps, you may benefit from speaking to a family member, teacher, GP or social worker. They may be able to help you explore your options and find appropriate support.

What support is available to young carers?

If you’re finding it difficult to balance being a carer with school or having a social life, but you’re not ready to contact a counsellor, there are many other places you can look to for support.

If you're under 18, you or your parent can ask your local council for a young carer's assessment. This looks at your caring responsibilities and the support you and your family may need. You can find out more about young carers' rights on the NHS website.

Your school and teachers

If you’ve been missing lessons to look after someone, or you’re having trouble concentrating when you’re in class, talk to a teacher you trust. Your school might be able to adjust your timetable, give you extra time and support to complete schoolwork, or even provide a quiet environment if you're struggling. But if your teachers aren’t aware of your situation, they won’t be able to help you.

Government funding

If you're 16 or over, you may be entitled to financial support depending on your circumstances. Eligibility and the support available vary depending on where you live in the UK. Visit MoneyHelper to find out more about financial support for young carers, or check the relevant government guidance for where you live.

Children’s charities

Charities such as Barnardo’s, Action for Children, Family Action, and The Honeypot Children’s Charity provide many services for young carers and their families. These organisations may be able to offer practical advice, activities, peer support or respite, depending on your age and where you live.

Remember, you don't have to manage caring responsibilities alone. Support is available for you and your family.

Find a counsellor

If caring responsibilities are affecting your wellbeing, talking to a counsellor could give you a supportive space to explore how you're feeling. You can search our directory using the links below to find a counsellor who works with young people and the issues you're experiencing.