What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is someone aged under 18 who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. A young carer may:
- Practical tasks, like cooking, housework and shopping.
- Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
- Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed.
- Personal care, such as helping someone dress.
- Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
- Helping to give medicine.
- Helping someone communicate.
- Looking after brothers and sisters.
You might be thinking that a young carer has a lot of responsibility but actually many young carers simply do not experience life like the average child of their age because of the needs of a family member e.g. if a sibling has autism who struggles with busy environments, they might not be able to have friends to visit, go to birthday parties, go to the park, go to the supermarket, go on holidays. They may witness upsetting behaviour at home and their parents’ attention has to be focused on their sibling for much of the time.
Where can I get support?
Come and talk to us if you would like more information about Young Carers or visit these websites:
Norfolk Young Carers Support Young carers and families – Norfolk County Council
Action for Children Young carers: who are they and why do they need support? | Action For Children
Childline Young carers | Childline
Just One Norfolk https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/child-development-additional-needs/additional-needs/supporting-siblings/