Who is a Young Carer?

Young Carers are children and young people aged between 5-18 years old who provide care or assistance to a family member of any age, due to disability, mental health issues, chronic/terminal illness or problems relating to alcohol or substance misuse.

Young Carers can also have emotional as well as practical caring responsibilities. The level of responsibility that is sometimes placed on young carers would normally be associated with that of an adult.

What do Young Carers do?

• Domestic activities – cleaning, laundry, washing
• Household management – food shopping, lifting, cooking
• Financial and practical management – withdrawing cash, paying bills
• Personal care – washing, bathing and giving medication
• Emotional Care – making sure the person they care for is okay
• Sibling care – looking after a brother or sister

Watch the Young Carers podcast to hear more about being a young carer. Every young carers story is different but PKAVS Carers Hub is here to support you.