Information and support for young carers

Who counts as a young carer

A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a family member or a close friend who has a disability, long-term illness, mental health problem or who is misusing drugs or alcohol.

Caring can involve practical and personal tasks such as:

• shopping

• cooking

• washing

• dressing

• helping someone get around

• providing emotional support.

What support we offer young carers

If you or someone in your family is a young carer, you can refer yourself to our young carers' service, using the contact details below. 

The young carers' service can provide support to young carers and their families, including:

• home visits

• information and advice

• newsletters

• referrals to other agencies

• telephone support

• school holiday schemes

• monthly clubs (on Saturdays) for young carers at various venues in the borough.

Links between children and adult services

We have a young carers' social worker working in our children’s services team who can give appropriate support to young people.

This support can include:

• advice

• help on joint assessments

• information about available services.