Who is a Young Carer?

A Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after, or helps to look after, a friend or family member who cannot manage on their own because of illness, disability, mental health difficulties, or addiction.

Young Carers may take on many different responsibilities, from practical tasks to providing emotional support. 

What might a Young Carer do?

• Cooking, housework and shopping
• Helping the care-for in/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

 Every caring role is unique. A Young Carer might do some, all, or completely different tasks; the type of support given does not change the fact that they are a Young Carer.

Impact of caring

Being a Young Carer can affect:

• Education and school attainment
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Social life and free time
• Opportunities for hobbies or personal growth
• The balance between their own needs and the needs of the person they care for / having to put the needs of the cared for before their own.

At the same time, Young Carers often develop:

• Strong resilience
• Valuable life skills
• Confidence in communicating with adults and professionals
• Close, meaningful bonds with the person they care for

For more information about how we can help, contact us at Devon Carers Helpline on:

telephone: 03456 434 435 or email: [email protected]