I need help now
Do you need to speak to someone about your emotional wellbeing?
We all want to look after and care for our loved ones.
Some children and young people look after family members. If this is you, it is important that you have the support and advice you need to look after both yourself and your family.
What is a young carer?
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a family member. This can be because the family member is ill, disabled or has mental health challenges.
What you do for your family is part of your daily routine and probably feels normal. It may be strange to think of yourself as a ‘carer’!
Caring for other people is a big responsibility and can be very intense – young carers may be looking after their family member all day and night. This includes giving them medicine, cooking meals and cleaning the house among other things.
This can be a lot, especially on top of going to school and anything else you do.
There are people that can help you if caring is impacting your life too much.
Accepting help is nothing to be ashamed of – we all need help sometimes.
There are also services you can go to that can help you meet other carers and make new friends!