Care and support

Young carers information

Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 years who care for someone in their own home who is ill, has a physical or mental disability or drug or alcohol problems.

Young carers look after someone in their home including parents, elderly relatives or a brother or sister. It may be because they are ill or disabled, or maybe because they drink a lot or misuse drugs. Young carers may be doing the cleaning, washing the person they care for, or cooking all the meals for the family. They may find that looking after someone might affect their concentration at school or their leisure time is restricted.

If you have any concerns about a child or young person who has caring responsibilities contact Children, Schools and Families on 01438 737500 or 01923 471500. CSF have specific professional assistants based within the Assessment Teams. These workers can offer specific support and information to young carers and their families.