Many people need special care provided in their homes. They may be ill, disabled or elderly, or they may be experiencing drug or alcohol problems.
Receiving care from a member of the family can be one solution. However, when the carer is a young adult, it is especially important to make sure that their needs are properly addressed.
If you are a child and you are carrying out any caring role for a member of your immediate family, it is essential that your well-being does not suffer as a result of your responsibilities.
Most importantly, tell education, social worker or health services about your situation. You don’t have to cope alone; they can help you both get the support and advice you need.
Education
Naturally you will want to do well at school. Whilst many young carers achieve good results, national research has shown that caring can have a negative effect on education.
To prevent this, it is would be helpful if you told your school or college about your caring role. That way they can allow for the needs and pressures that you may be under and offer sensitive advice and support.
Health
Sometimes young carers can be so busy looking after others, that they forget to look after themselves, and can become ill stressed or depressed. The best way to avoid this is to get help from your GP and local Health Centre.
Let them know all about your individual situation so that they can provide the help and advice that you both need.
Extra support
This can include special breaks for carers and additional support services for particular needs.
There are local and national organisations, specially set up to help young carers and their parents.
Young carers can be assessed by a social worker and can be referred to the Young Carers Service where there is one to one support; young persons support groups and a newsletter group.
