Young Carers

A young carer is a young person who has to look after a parent, or another member of the family due to illness, disablement or drug and alcohol problems.

The relative they care for may be a parent or grandparent, brother or sister who has a disability, a serious illness or a mental health problem. The care they provide may range from basic household tasks including cooking meals and paying the bills to intimate care or it may be emotional support.

Young carers often miss out on opportunities either in their education, their personal life or in their careers, because they are needed at home to help cook and clean and care for their family.

Young carers often become isolated and lonely as they have no time for friends or to go out. It is estimated that approximately 51,000 young people are carers in the United Kingdom, 86% of them are of school age.

Children and young people who care for a dependent relative may be experiencing their own difficulties. They may become ill themselves or they may find it harder to form well-adjusted social relationships.

Young Carers are not always aware of where to go to go for help, or even that they need help. They rarely discuss their home situation with friends or adults as they may find their home situation difficult to talk about. Also they may not feel able to pursue further education opportunities. Young carers may fail to attain the grades that are expected of them due to the responsibilities they have at home.

If YOU are in this situation you can contact a Young Carers Support Officer who can put you in touch with other young people in a similar situation to you, as well as offer support, advice, and even some fun activities.

Visit:
www.surrey-youngcarers.org.uk
or ring Surrey Young Carers Project
East Surrey Office Tel: 01737 248111
West Surrey Office Tel: 01483 568269
Mid Surrey Office Tel:  01306 881900
or email: syc@actionforcarers.org.uk

www.carersnet.org.uk – to listen to Care Radio
www.youngcarer.com or email: young-carers-initiative@childrenssociety.org.uk


> What a Young Carer should expect
>  An explanation of the different people that might visit a Young Carer’s Home.