Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children and Young People's Health Services
Does someone in your family have a disability or special health need? If you are under 18 you may be taking on caring responsibilities for others, in addition to your own personal ones. This may be to someone in your family, household or a relative with a mental or physical illness, disability or dependence on drugs or alcohol.
A young carer often takes on practical, emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. This may include looking after money matters, cooking, sometimes arranging appointments and translation. Care may also include looking after and organising medicines as well as the person’s personal hygiene.
Caring for someone often means you will be emotionally supporting them as well. It can be a lot of work on top of your schoolwork or job. You may have very little time, if any, to do things for yourself or see friends.
Having a parent or sibling in your home who requires extra help or care may mean you qualify for support yourself as a young carer. It’s ok to think about yourself and ask for help.
What you can do to help
You may have caring responsibilities that means time to yourself, however little, feels impossible, even selfish. Talk to another adult who you trust (relative, friend, teacher) or access drop in groups and charities.
Looking after yourself is important for good physical and mental health.
