Caring for other people

If you’re under 18 and help care for a family member or friend who can't manage without support, you can ask for help.

As a young carer, you may be taking on adult responsibilities, such as:

• staying at home to support the person you care for
• helping someone to get up, washed, dressed or to use the toilet
• doing household chores like shopping, cleaning and cooking
• looking after younger brothers and sisters
• giving emotional support

Being a young carer can be tiring, worrying and lonely. It can affect you in many ways including:

• social isolation
• bullying
• problems with school attendance and achievement
• difficulties with your own physical and mental health

Young carers should not be expected to do the same tasks as adult carers or take on responsibilities that are too much for their age.

Local support

Family Action provides services to help young carers. These include:

• weekly sessions where you can meet other young carers
• trips and activities during the school holidays
• education support
• emotional and peer support
• help to plan for emergencies
• digital tools to support you and the person you care for

Young carers assessment

A young carers assessment looks at:

• how much caring you do
• what needs to change so you have the same opportunities as other young people

The assessment will decide what help you and your family might need.

If you, your school or your parent/carer request an assessment, a trained professional must visit to carry out the assessment.

Visit the Family Action website to self refer.

Other places to find help

Support is available if you need it including:

• speaking to a trusted member of staff at school for guidance
• contact the Families Information Service to find out what support is available, even if you don't need help right now