Are you a young carer?
A young carer is anyone who is under the age of 18, and who looks after an adult in their household - for example a parent, grandparent, or older brother or sister.
You may find that you have more responsibilities around the house than other children of your age, and this can feel stressful or overwhelming at times. Sometimes you may feel under pressure to take time off school to help around the house, or may not have time to go out with your friends, do homework, or play.
Many young carers find it difficult to talk about being a carer. They worry that people will think they aren't coping, or that their family will be split up if they don't carry on with their caring role.
But it's important to understand there are organisations that can help and support you, so you can balance your responsibilities with your personal life and not miss out on things.
Help from the council
As a young carer you have the same rights as other carers. If you are, or someone you know is, a young carer looking after a family member who has a physical illness or disability, mental health difficulties, or difficulty with drugs or alcohol, help is available.
We can help with:
- support in identifying and using services that can assist you
- one-to-one support, advice and guidance, including home visits
- free activities and events to give you a break from your caring role, and a chance to meet other young carers. These include regular term-time groups and activities during school holidays
- specialist training workshops on health, wellbeing and caring.
You will need to have an assessment to be able to receive additional support.
Contact the Family Support Service on 020 8753 1200
Hammersmith & Fulham Young Carers Service
If you are aged 5 to 18 years old and support a loved one, H&F Young Carers Service can help.
Come along for support, to talk, have fun and meet other young carers near you. Our activities include afterschool clubs, trips and activities like mini golf, bowling and GoApe.
It doesn't matter what type of support you provide, everyone is welcome!
You will need to complete a young carers assessment with H&F Children's Services first.
For more information, call 020 8753 6600
Other people who can help
Help from teachers and other school staff
Teachers are there to help pupils get the most out of school. They can be a good person for you to speak to about any problems you have.
Organisations who can help
Carers Trust - Carers Trust helps young carers get access to the support and services they need.
The Children’s Society - This national charity runs local projects helping vulnerable children and young people.
Sibs - for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults
Family Friends - parent befriending and child mentoring projects and programmes
Honeypot - respite residentials for junior young carers (under 12)