Young carers

Caring for a loved one at any age can be difficult and stressful, but especially when you’re young. It can mean that you have to do more than most people your age are expected to do, like cleaning, cooking, looking after younger siblings, doing the shopping, maybe even helping the person you are caring for to wash and dress.

It can feel unfair seeing your friends have such “normal” lives, and you could feel like the stress and responsibility you have is too hard to handle.

It’s good to remember that you are not alone – there are lots of young carers out there – and there are support networks there for you. There are online message boards to talk to other young carers who understand first-hand what you are going through, as well as helplines or online help chats with adults who can give you advice, and websites with useful information.