A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after or helps to look after someone 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.
Young carers can take on a variety of roles including practical tasks or emotional support.
What a young carer might do
- Cooking, housework and shopping.
- Helping cared for in or out of bed, lifting.
- Listening to worries or concerns.
- Helping the cared for get dressed.
- Personal care.
- Managing family budgets and bills.
- Administering or collecting medication.
- Help with communication.
- Look after their brothers or sisters.
Each caring role will look differently, and they may provide care that is not listed above – this does not mean they are not a young carer.