The term 'Young Carer' is simply a way of describing young people who care or give support to someone at home.

• Young Carers may be looking after someone who is unwell, disabled or has a mental health problem.
• Sometimes they provide support when the family are going through a traumatic time; for example divorce or death in the family.
• The care that can be given includes washing and dressing, shopping and cooking, dealing with money and bills, cleaning, giving medicine, keeping an eye on someone and being a shoulder to cry on.
• They may also be providing care and support where there are members of the family affected by drug or alcohol abuse.
• Young Carers often look after their Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother, Grandparent or family friend.
• Young Carers are all individuals and have different caring roles. What links them is the care and support they provide for someone else, which helps them understand how others in that situation feel.
• Devon Young Carers (DYC) has been set up to help you as Young Carers. We look at ways of supporting you and providing you with the information that you need. We also 'train' teachers, youth workers, school nurses and other people you may meet regularly, so that they are able to lend a listening ear when you need it. The DYC packs have an explanation of the roles of people who you may come into contact, along with other practical help and contact numbers,  There are two different packs; one for younger children and one for older children and teenagers. (for younger - young carers (1.54MB - pdf help)) (for older - young carers (1.79MB - pdf help))

Find out more

• What is the Devon Young Carer's Pack?
• Devon Young Carer's packs;  for younger - young carers (1.54MB - pdf help) / for older - young carers (1.79MB - pdf help)
• Who Cares? Drama Project
  check out this link to find out what this project was about .