LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN AND YOUNG CARERS

Dan Smith is the Lead Teacher for Looked After Children and Young Carers.

A Young Carer is a child or young person under 18 who regularly helps to look after a family member or friend who is disabled, ill, has a mental health condition or addiction problem.

A Young Carer may have the following responsibilities within their family:

  • Practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)
  • Physical care (lifting or helping someone use the stairs)
  • Personal care (dressing, washing, helping with toilet needs)
  • Managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions)
  • Managing medication
  • Looking after younger siblings
  •  Helping someone communicate

The impact of being a young carer
You have responsibilities at home that prevent you from spending time with your friends, or inviting them around your house. 

You feel sad, angry, guilty or embarrassed about the help you give to anyone at home.
You feel upset that friends don’t have the same responsibilities.
You avoid telling anyone outside the family about your home situation.

More information can also be found by clicking here
For more information please contact  [email protected]