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Young carers advice

Young carers are children or young people who look after someone in their family who has an illness.  This care might be occassional or very substantial, such as helping someone with their personal tasks every day.

Being a young carer can be hard, the tasks of helping your family member plus often hiding this "secret" life from your friends.  Your life as a young carer may mean having to sacrifice socialising, in order to fulfil your caring role.  Your school work may get behind, or you may struggle to concentrate in lessons.  Hiding this life away might prevent you from getting extra help, support or understanding.

 

Tips for caring

  • Equip yourself with plenty of information about the illness
  • Talking is important, allow time to talk through how your loved one feels about their illness
  • Offer positive encouragement and congratulate small steps taken
  • Support the person to do as much as they can themselves
  • Think of things you can do together which you both enjoy - walking, swimming, watching a TV show or film together
  • Understand when you must seek professional help
  • Look after yourself - find time for your social life and try to confide in someone - trusted friend, teacher or other relative

Who can help you?

It will seem daunting to talk about this with a friend, teacher or someone outside of the family.  This step could make life much easier for you though.  There are lots of people who could offer you support and advice - teachers / tutors, student welfare, school nurses or counsellors, GP's, Social workers, Youth leaders and other people you trust.

The following organisations provide practical advice and support:

Advice supplied by Danielle Lezama, young carer.