Who Cares?

Anyone can be a carer for someone. Some carers are elderly, some carers are parents and some carers are young people.

Carers aged 8-25 years old who provide unpaid care to a family member or  friend are usually known as Young Carers if they’re under 18 years old. If they are over 18 but under 25 years old they are often known as Young Adult Carers.

These young people might look after someone in their family who has a disability, a long-term health condition, poor mental health or someone who struggles with a substance misuse problem.

They might provide care alone or share the care with other family members/friends.

Young Carers and Young Adult Carers often take on more caring responsibilities than other people their age. They might be involved in:

• Providing emotional support to someone.
• Practical tasks such as cooking, housework and shopping.
• Physical care such as lifting, or helping someone move around.
• Personal care such as dressing, washing or help going to the toilet.
• Collecting and administering medication.
• Managing household bills and income
• Looking after or “parenting” younger siblings.