Do you know someone who could be a young carer?
They could be looking after a parent, or a sibling, who has an illness, a disability, mental health condition or a drug and alcohol problem.
They may not be looking after someone all day, but find themselves doing extra jobs around the house, like cooking and cleaning. Many young people in this position may have started looking after someone from a very young age and not realise that they are carers.
Today is Young Carers Action Day and we want to help young carers get the help that they need.
In Medway, you can get support from Carers First and their Medway Young Carers Project. It’s for anyone aged 5 up to 18 years and offers support and opportunities for young people in a caring role. They also offer support for adult carers too.
To find out what support you can get give them a call on 0300 303 1555, email hello@carersfirst.org.uk or fill in a form via their website here.
The NHS website also offers advice
What are your rights as a young carer?
If you’re 16 or over and not in full time education, you may be eligible for help finding work, as well as support with your family’s finances. For example, you could be entitled to a Carer’s Allowance. Find out more here.
Getting an assessment is the best way to find out what’s available in your situation. Find out more about having a carers assessment here.
Need more help?
The Carers Direct helpline is a good place to start:
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0300 123 1053
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0300 123 1004 (textphone or minicom for those deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or have impaired speech)
There are several other organisations to try including:
The Children’s Society can connect you with other young people who are in a similar situation to you. Check them out here
Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/
Youth Access: https://www.youthaccess.org.uk/
