Young Carers
Some children and young people help look after someone at home because of illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, or age. If you are under 18 and regularly help someone in your family, you may be a young carer.
You might help with cooking, cleaning, looking after brothers or sisters, giving medication, helping someone move around, or being there for emotional support. You might also worry about the person you care for or feel responsible for keeping things running at home.
Being a young carer is not something to feel ashamed of — but you should not have to manage everything on your own.
This section is designed especially for young carers. It explains your rights, where to get help, and how to balance caring with school, friends, and your own wellbeing.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
If you are a young carer, you have rights.
You have the right to:
- Be recognised as a young carer
- Have a young carer’s assessment
- Receive support to help you balance caring and education
- Be listened to when decisions are made about the person you support
- Have time to relax, see friends, and enjoy activities
- Be safe and supported
You are not legally responsible for providing care. Adults and services have responsibilities to make sure you are not taking on too much.
If you ever feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or worried about someone’s immediate safety, you should speak to a trusted adult or call emergency services.
Who You Can Talk To
You do not have to manage caring alone. You could talk to:
- A parent, relative, or trusted adult
- A teacher, school pastoral lead, or school nurse
- A GP
- A youth worker
- The young carers service
- A helpline or online chat service
Schools and colleges can provide additional support if they know you are a young carer. This might include flexibility with homework, attendance understanding, or emotional support.
If you are unsure who to speak to, start with someone you trust.
Education and Support Resources
Balancing caring with school or college can be difficult. Support is available to help you succeed and may include support with studying or homework, mentoring schemes or transition support when moving from school to college.
If you are aged 16–25, you may be considered a young adult carer.
Young adult carers have specific rights under national legislation, including the right to an assessment of your needs. There are specific services and rights that apply during this transition period, including assessments and planning for adulthood.
You have the right to:
- Request a carer’s assessment in your own right
- Have your education, training, and employment goals considered
- Be supported during transitions to adulthood
- Receive information and advice about support services
- Be involved in care planning decisions where appropriate
- Access advocacy if needed
If you are approaching 18, you may be entitled to a transition assessment to help plan for adulthood. This should consider your caring role and how it affects your future plans.
You are not legally required to continue caring if it is having a serious impact on your health, safety, or future opportunities.
Peer Advice and Stories
Many young carers say the hardest part is feeling different from their friends. Connecting with other young carers can help you realise:
- You are not the only one
- Your feelings are valid
- It is normal to feel stressed, tired, or frustrated sometimes
- It is okay to ask for help
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