Young Carers
Support for Young Carers
What is a Young Carer? A Young Carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who takes care of an adult family member who needs support because of a long term illness or disability. Some illnesses and disabilities can be seen, others cannot!
They can include:
- Physical illness or disability
- Mental health problems
- Drug or alcohol problems
The care they provide would usually be done by an adult and affects the child or young person's everyday life. Young Carers often do not think of themselves as carers and are not recognised as such by other people like friends, teachers,doctors and other family members. Young Carers can be boys or girls and can come from any ethnic background or culture.
What are some of the things a Young Carer might do?
- Shopping
- Housework
- Keeping them company and cheering them up
- Collecting benefits and paying bills
- Helping with medication
- Cooking
- Help them get washed and dressed
- Reminding them about appointments
- Going with them to appointments
- Reading and explaining letters
- Helping them get in and out of bed.
Young Carers tell us that caring sometimes affect:
- Their school/college work
- not being able to attend after school clubs or activities
- not being able to concentrate because of worry or being tired
- not being able to go on school trips or holidays
- Having time with their friends
- it can be difficult for them to go out with friends, sleep over at their houses or to have friends to their house
- it can be difficult for them to go out with friends, sleep over at their houses or to have friends to their house
- How they feel about themselves
- not having enough time to themselves
- not knowing who to trust or who to talk to
- thinking they are the only one in this situation and no-one will understand.
Barnardos Action with Young Carers is a service that supports young carers and their families in Liverpool
What can our Young Carers Service offer you?
- Someone to talk to who will listen
- Chance to meet other Young Carers at groups and activities
- Give you information about the illness or disability of the person you care for
- Someone to speak up for you when no one wants to listen
- Fun and free activities
- A break from caring
- Getting help, advice and support for the person you care for.
How to contact Barnados Action with Young Carers
If you think you are a Young Carer and would like more information, contact the project or ask somebody else to, on; 0151 708 7323 If there is an answer phone please do not be put off, leave a message with your phone number and they will call you back.
Action with Young Carers
24 Colquitt Street
Liverpool,
Merseyside,
L1 4DE
Tel: 0151 708 7323
Fax: 0151 707 2031
Email: youngcarers.liverpool@barnados.org.uk
Liverpool City Council would like to acknowledge the Young Carers of Liverpool and Bolton who helped design this web page.